Run For The Wall 2008

Run for the Wall ^ | May 23, 2008 | Self

[Perseverando]

SITREP:

What an incredible sight! Members of Run For The Wall XX (Southen Route)

Several hundred motorcycles and their military veteran riders and passengers staged at the Salem, VA American Legion parking lot this morning ready to depart for Washington, D.C. where they will gather at the Vietnam War Memorial for the annual remembrance of POW's and MIA's.

They had just finished a breakfast sponsored by local veterans groups including the American Legion Post and a military family support group.

They sat waiting to depart at 0730 for the last leg of their 10 day cross country (southern route) trip from Rancho Cucamongo, CA to D.C. Nearby were 4 VA state police officers on their motorcycles with blue lights flashing waiting to provide an official escort up I-81 north to I-66 east, and on to the Pentagon.

What an incredible sight watching all those vets and their passengers as they waited and then roared out of the parking lot heading for a gathering of eagles in at The Wall where they will honor those left behind in Vietnam.

What a shame that there were fewer than 10 witnesses to this incredible group of vets: one reporter from WFIR, the local conservative talk radio station, 6-8 support staff for the breakfast, and one deeply humbled Freeper.

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Run For The Wall

Mission Statement: 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.

Philosophy: We 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.

Goals:

1. To guide the participants across America.
2. To educate future generations as to the importance of accountability in wartime actions emphasizing that no one should be left behind.
3. To participate in Rolling Thunder in support of their demand for government accountability for POW/MIA's.

RFTW History

Run For The Wall (RFTW) was started in 1989 as an effort by James Gregory and Bill Evans. They were a couple of Vietnam Veterans who traveled across the heartland of America on motorcycles, talking to local radio, TV, and newspapers about the fact that we had thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all of our wars. The need for this awareness continues today and we continue this tradition every May.

We don't give political speeches or stage demonstrations. Run For The Wall gets its message to the pulic across by riding through the United States. We obey traffic laws and treat all citizens with dignity and respect.

But the issue of public awareness is only part of the benefit of Run For The Wall. We also give Vietnam Veterans and all Veterans the opportunity to get their own welcome home and start their healing process.

Everyone who has fought or has friends or loved ones who have fought in a war has their own issues from their experience. Everyone has issues -- the welcome home, the good-bye to buddies lost, the ability to finally help the young men and women we watch every night on TV, or just trying to accept coming home alive. Many who participate in Run For The Wall find that whatever they've been missing, can be found in the Run For The Wall family. They can finally start settling issues that have been put away for over twenty years.

There is nominal charge for participating in Run For The Wall, and you have to pay your own expenses. We have been very fortunate in the past in that we generally get a great deal of support from organizations and people along the way. Most night's dinners are provided free or for a small donation by concerned citizens, some breakfasts and lunches are provided, also. We have generous groups who have paid for gas and lodging on occasion.

The trip takes ten days to reach the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where our Run officially ends on Sunday evening before Memorial Day. Additionally, we have things scheduled for the weekend, ending with participation in the Rolling Thunder Parade in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. It is quite a sight to behold, 350,000 plus motorcycles all starting from the Pentagon parking lots, parading through downtown Washington, and ending at the Wall.

Along the way across the U.S. we make stops at Memorials, Veteran's Hospitals, and schools. We enjoy parades, escorts, and welcome-home receptions from many of the patriotic towns.

The ages of the participants range from eight to eighty. These include: mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers (some of whom ride their own bikes!): veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq Freedom and Afghanistan: active military, supporters, friends and family. Everyone is welcome. The main rule is NO ATTITUDES.

Some people join Run For The Wall and think of it as just another vacation or motorcycle event. After one or two days, though, you realize this is something very special. It is unlike anything else you have experienced, and it becomes a MISSION! You become part of the Run For The Wall family whose members come from all over the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries. What could be more perfect than, riding on a mission, making new friends, and helping a very good cause, POW/MIA?

You don't have to ride a motorcycle to participate. By joining or supporting Run For The Wall, you participate in our mission of: promoting healing among all veterans and their families and friends: calling for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA): and honoring the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from ALL wars. The important thing is to join the cause!

[Perseverando]

Rolling Thunder website: http://www.rollingthunder1.com/index.html

[gate2wire]

Bump

[sevinufnine]

I work in Salem and saw the riders this morning getting prepared to get back onto I81. Was soooo cool to see all of the bikes.

Local police were helping them stay together using their police Harleys (blue lights on) to keep traffic out of one lane so the riders would not be separated going through town. Was nice to see.

[wizr]

ping

[Roses0508]

I saw them Tuesday in Chattanooga, TN. Took pictures, which I have not yet downloaded from the camera.

[Perseverando]

OK Freepers, I finally got the pictures posted online. Here they area:
Ride For The Wall 2008 (Southern Route), Day 10, Salem, VA

[martin_fierro]

Visit the FMH Swag Store & support FR!
Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list
The List of Ping Lists

[Perseverando]

Whoops, that would be Run For The Wall 2008 (Southern Route), Day 10, Salem, VA

[Poser]

<rant>

Hint for next year for those riding in groups to rolling thunder.
If you are going to do 55 mph, stay in the right lane, you morons!

</rant>