By Brandon Bennett
STURGIS—The 86th Sturgis Rally was officially opened at the opening ceremony at Harley Davidson Rally Point Plaza.
D-Ray Knight was emcee and he introduced Mayor Rod Bradley who welcomed the audience and said the 86th rally is a celebration of 250 years of America.
“This rally epitomizes what this country is about: freedom, opportunity and being American,” he said.
Grand Marshal Tim Duffy was introduced and he thanked the city of Sturgis for the honor. Duffy, a New York City firefighter, rode his Harley down to the Twin Towers to help.
“I know that 9 out of ten people here would do what I did. That’s who we are”, he said.
Bradley presented Duffy with a brick naming him Grand Marshal. A similar brick will be placed in town.
Bradley then read a proclamation opening the Sturgis Rally that described the people that come as adventurous and loving freedom.
