Run for the Wall is Near

Tonight's brief discussion is on the upcoming event called Run for the Wall. This is an annual event that begins in Rancho Cucomonga, Californa and ends the Friday before Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. It is a 10-day motorcycle trip across this wonderful country of ours that takes you through either the Southern or Central parts of the United States. It is an event that I have personally particpated in for the last 6 consecutive years and all of those years I went "all the way" to Washington, D.C.

Some of you may think that this is just like any other motorcycle rally, but this is an Event, it is not a club, it is not a rally. The mission statement for Run for the Wall (RFTW) 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. It is very difficult to explain the feelings you experience while participating in RFTW, but talk to anyone who has participated, and you will see a misty look in their eyes. Once you participate in RFTW, you become part of a wonderful, extended family that will not forget you and truly cares about your personal well-being.

I am not a veteran, but have found that you do not need to be a veteran to be involved with RFTW. Anyone who believes in and supports our Troops is welcome. As RFTW travels across either the Central or Southern United States, they have planned stops at various elementary schools, memorials, veterans hospitals, Legion Halls, veteran centers, etc. At many of the stops, we spend time and talk with the people in the area, usually they are lining the roads and waving flags as we arrive. There is nothing more awe-inspring as after a long day in the motorcycle saddle, than to pull into an area to stop, and have both sides of the street lined with people waving, clapping, taking photographs, holding signs and pictures and just having a wonderful time, because we are there.

By participating in Run for the Wall, even if not for the full legnth of the trip, you get a true view of America and her people. We have seen many, many people in uniform standing at attention as we pass by. We have met people who have not just served in Vietnam, but also World War II, Korea, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. We have had the opportunity to talk with some Navajo Code Talkers, Baatan Death March survivors, Pearl Harbor Survivors, POW's and those who survived the Battle of the Bulge (not the battle around your wasteband...). It is inspiring and humbling to hear their first-hand accounts of what they endured.

If you have an opportunity to even ride for a day with RFTW, the specific itinerary is listed on their website - www.rftw.org. You can quickly see where each route goes, and the itinerary is very specific. Even if you are unable to ride, you may have the opportunity to watch us ride by, again the itinerary is very accurate for dates and times. Please wave if you see us wander by, we will wave back. This is an event that anyone who supports our Troops should try at least once in their lifetime. It will change your view of the world.

We hope to see you along the road.

Until Friday...