Their mission is to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.
They strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the
Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. in the hope that they can return home to a new beginning.
The
Run for the Wall begins in California and grows larger as they cross the country joined by thousands of bikers along the route.
Their
Itinerary map has them arriving in Washington DC on Sunday for Memorial Day. But for day 8 these veteran motorcycle riders choose
Hurricane, West Virginia for an overnight stay.
The City of Hurricane Police Officers welcome the Veterans on the Run for the Wall ride.
Mayor Scott Edwards put the word out Tuesday with phone calls to each resident in the city to remind people of the event which has included an overnight stay in Putnam County for 8 or 9 years. Edwards said this has become a popular event for the people of Hurricane and they turn out in large numbers in support of the Veterans.
Mayor Edwards said "the city erects tents for the riders as well as opening the community center for overnight accommodations for these men who are doing something for us we can't do ourselves." And that is to make that long trip thousands of miles from coast to coast including riders from every state in the country who ride for those who can't."
Last night at the
Wave Park in Hurricane Edwards said "they had prepared dinner for these Veterans who numbered over 300 and then again this morning they were fed a hearty breakfast to begin the next leg of their journey."
US Food Service donated most of the food said Edwards. The Run for the Wall organization was also given donations for gas for those who needed it through gift cards that could be used at
Sheetz stores along the way.
The Run for the Wall ride goes from coast to coast and will total up to 300,000 riders by the time they arrive in Washington, DC to honor the fallen, missing and surviving Veterans of all wars.
Edwards said there was great community support in the turnout last night to wave, salute and cheer on these veterans who have given so much for our country and our freedom and continue to give in events held around the United States including the annual Run for the Wall.
When asked what the goal of this ride is one rider who was helping direct traffic at the entrance to the park said he was there to help guide participants from around the country and to educate our youth and future generations as the importance of accountability in wartime actions.
He said the most important reason he rides is to ensure that no soldier is ever left behind, in a war zone or when they return home to face a world different then the one they left.
See the
Memorial Day - Soldier's Video Tribute
Documentary on Rolling Thunder and the Run for the Wall on Memorial Weekend.
Rolling Thunder
