I happened to be at the right place at the right time, with camera ( f8 and be there, as the saying goes) and got some shots of the procession of bikes making up the Run For The Wall memorial bike run. They had filled the south parking lot at Victoria Gardens Mall, and left at around 8am. I think their ultimate goal is to be at the Vietnam Memorial in DC by Memorial Day.
According to their web site:
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:
- To guide the participants across America.
- To educate future generations as to the importance of accountability in wartime actions emphasizing that no one should be left behind.
I would say there were about 600 bikes of all types, plus support vehicles. The local fire department provided a flag arch for them to ride under, as well as an honor guard.
Seems like a worthy cause, and something fun to do if you are retired and like to ride. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t do it, because I don’t do big group rides, but it was fun to watch.
Nice pics.