Double-Amputee Veteran Cycling Across America Honored in Boston

Members of the Boston Police Department escorted a double-amputee Marine Corps Veteran into the city Wednesday as he continued his hand-cycle trek across America.

“At Boston city limits--seems like the entire force showed up! Thank you, Officer Quinn, for all your hard work putting this amazing day together,” Toran Gaal said.

Gaal, who was injured while in the Marines, arrived in Charlestown Wednesday afternoon to be greeted by a truck filled with refreshments , as well as police commissioner William Evans, the city’s bicycle unit, bomb squad and K9 units.

According to Gaal’s website, the journey is in benefit of the Semper Fi Fund. Gaal hopes to raise $20,000 for the fund.

The Semper Fi Fund aided Gaal and his family in the days, months and years following his surgery.

Gaal kicked off his journey on June 1 in San Diego. He plans to make eight more stops before the ride is officially complete.

The department’s message to Gaal was brief: “Keep it up, and may the wind be at your back!”