Watch Mark Knopfler Endorse Ride To The Wall Fundraising Event

Mark Knopfler has endorsed this year’s Ride To The Wall fundraising motorcycle ride, for which Dire Straits’ “Brothers In Arms” is this year’s signature song. Bikers, or “wallers,” traditionally ride each year to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to pay their respects to the servicemen and women whose names are engraved on The Wall of the Armed Forces Memorial.

This year’s event was held virtually on Saturday (3) and you can watch it here, including a message from Knopfler, a keen biker himself, at 6’39”, after the “Brothers In Arms” introduction. The 45-minute program also features a virtual ride, musical performances, speeches, and an Act of Remembrance.

“I’m very proud that the song ‘Brothers In Arms’ means so much to the Ride To The Wall family,” says Mark in the clip, acknowledging the charity’s efforts in passing donations of £1 million. “I’d just like to register my love of riding now,” he goes on, “and I hope to join you one of these years. Well done, and see you soon.”

The memorial, or wall, is a stone, 43-meter stone structure that recognizes those who have given their lives in the service of the United Kingdom since the end of the Second World War. The Ride To The Wall, a registered charity run by volunteers, raises money for the National Memorial Arboretum.

The Arboretum is the UK’s year-round center of remembrance and part of the Royal British Legion family of charities. It has 30,000 maturing trees over 300 memorials. Under normal circumstances, it welcomes some 300,000 visitors per year, and hosts more than 200 events annually.

The first Ride To The Wall took place in 2008, from Tamworth Service Station to the Arboretum. 1,100 motorcycles of all types attended, with those taking part paying a fee and receiving a commemorative pin and year bar. For more information, and to donate, visit the Ride To The Wall website.