Babylon kicked off its annual Soldier Ride event Friday in honor of service members injured in the line of duty.

Sounds of patriotism and pride ushered in the 14th annual Wounded Warrior Project Solider Ride in Lindenhurst. Thirty members of the armed forces who've returned from overseas battlegrounds with life-changing injuries rode on a mission to raise funds and awareness of the sacrifices made by military members.

Combat veteran Robert Wojtaszczyk suffered a traumatic brain injury and broken bones during his 30 years in the Army. He lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident last March.

"This has proven to me that I can get back to doing life. And then just to be around fellow teammates, you know, fellow military members, is just awesome," he says.

The warriors pedaled their bicycles 22.5 miles to Overlook Beach. Along the way, they inspired crowds by showing them how to live life without limitations.

"They're heroes. That's the way I look at it," says Vince Wilson, of Copiague. "Anybody who puts their life on the line selflessly is a hero."