First lady Jill Biden paid tribute Wednesday to wounded veterans and active-duty service members as the Wounded Warrior Project held its annual ceremonial bicycle ride around the South Lawn of the White House.

Soldier Ride, which began in 2004, is a multi-day adaptive cycling event that aims to help wounded service members build confidence and strength, and raise awareness about injured veterans. 

Regional rides are held throughout the country. In 2008, then-President George W. Bush began the tradition of inviting participants to ride two laps around the South Lawn.

“Warriors never ride alone,” Dr. Biden said. “That's the promise of the Wounded Warrior Project, and as you can see today, it's true. Because this isn't a race; it's a ride. It's not about how fast you go or leaving people in your dust. It's about riding as one.

“Recovery isn't a race, either,” the first lady continued. “You don't succeed by going faster. Some days you may feel like you're not even moving at all. There are challenges that never seem to go away. But warriors find a way forward together because healing is not a straight line. It's a journey that continues. And at some point — maybe today — you look back and realize just how far you've come.”

She called the veterans “heroes” and said they “represent the best of this country.”

The daughter of a Navy signalman and stepmother of an Iraq war veteran, Biden also applauded military family members. 

“You, the military spouses and kids, may not have worn a uniform, but you serve our country, too,” the first lady said.

Biden is also a co-founder, along with former first lady Michelle Obama, of the White House’s Joining Forces initiative, which works to support military families and caregivers through employment, entrepreneurship, education and health card opportunities.

Sharona Young, who introduced Biden, told her own story of being promoted to chief petty officer in the Navy and being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on the same day in 2013.

“I was terrified,” Young said. “I was confused. And my initial thought was that I was dying. The next few months were a nightmare.”

She said MS robbed her of her career, mobility and motivation. 

“I didn't know how I was going to go on, but I knew I had to go on because I had a young daughter at the time, and I knew she needed me,” Young said.

She eventually sought help and said participating in the Soldier Ride was one of the events that had the greatest impact on her.

“It was the first time in a while I felt comfortable, that I felt like I belonged,” she said. “Movement is medicine for everybody, whether you're able-bodied or not. Adaptive sports are my medicine, my way to continue moving.

“I find that it helps me manage my mental and physical symptoms. Thanks to movement, I've kept MS at bay. I've done amazing things.”