By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The Christian and Newsom families were together once again in honor of their kids, Channon and Chris.
Hundreds of bikes took part in the third annual Channon and Chris Memorial Ride. They left from Quaker Steak and Lube off of Merchants Road in North Knoxville.
The sound of motorcycle engines revving and bikes hitting the pavement were everywhere, as more than 600 bikers celebrated the two young lives.
"This is for Chris and Channon and any time it's for Chris and Channon, we'll be there," explained Mary Newsom, Chris's Mom.
"Today we're reminding everybody it's about Channon and Chris. It's not about the broke justice center. It's about them," said Gary Christian, Channon's Dad.
Music was cranked up high, with a performance by American Idol Season 4 runner up Bo Bice, who came out to remember Channon and Chris.
"It's these people here that keep their spirits alive, so to come here and be able to share something so special with the people in Knoxville, that's why I'm here," Bice said.
Many were found sporting memorial T-shirts. All of the proceeds are going to the Christian and Newsom families.
"Can you not just feel the love in the air from all the people who are here for Channon and for Chris? We don't want anyone to forget. This proves that there's a lot of love here," said Deena Christian, Channon's Mom.
"We enjoy seeing all these people out here having a good time supporting them. Those kids went through an awful lot. They deserve a lot of respect. This shows them respect. We still have no justice but we have a lot of respect from a lot of people," said Mary Newsom.
Their battle for justice continues.
"If the legal system thinks these families are going anywhere, they have another thing coming. I made a promise to my daughter and I know they promised their son, that we'll continue to fight. Until the day I die," said Deena Christian.
The group ended their ride at the shed at the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson. Everyone ultimately wanted it to be about one thing.
"We've been going through this for five and a half years. We don't have a thing to show for it," said Hugh Newsom. "This is for Chris and Channon today in their memory. They were two outstanding young people."
"Today we're reminding everybody it's about Channon and Chris. It's not about the broke justice center. It's about them," said Gary Christian, Channon's Dad.
The sound of motorcycle engines revving and bikes hitting the pavement were everywhere, as more than 600 bikers celebrated the two young lives.
"It's these people here that keep their spirits alive, so to come here and be able to share something so special with the people in Knoxville, that's why I'm here," Bice said.
