The largest cross-country motorcycle run, organized to honor the nation’s veterans and raise awareness for soldiers listed as missing in action or prisoners of war, is making a stop in Lebanon.
Each year, Run for the Wall (RFTW) riders mount their motorcycles and begin a 10-day trip across the country from Ontario, California, to Washington D.C. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall.
After the visit to the wall, the group has a three-day trip to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois. They call it “Wall to Wall.â€
Each year since May 1989, excluding 2021 due to a cancellation for COVID-19 precautions, there’s been a ride. This year marks the 35th anniversary of RFTW. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
According to a release by the Wilson County government, nearly 1,200 riders are registered to participate, with four routes to choose from. The three routes are called the “Central Route,†“Midway Route†and “Southern Route.†All three lead to the same destination.
The Midway Route will make a stop in Lebanon.
Riders are expected to refuel at Uncle Pete’s Truck Stop in Lebanon on Sunday, May 18, between 3 and 4 p.m.
On Monday, May 19, at 11:30 a.m., local law enforcement agencies will escort a group of riders from Southside Elementary School to the Wilson County Veterans Museum for a lunch program.
The public is invited to attend and greet the riders upon their 11:45 a.m. arrival at the Veterans Museum.The group will stay at the museum for roughly an hour and a half before heading to the next stop.
“Wilson County is proud to be home to over 9,300 veterans. We have a great admiration for these brave men and women and sincerely thank all of our service members for defending our nation. The Run For The Wall is a tremendous way to honor our service members,†Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto said. “Thank you to all the riders who are participating! We wish them all a safe journey and plan to give them a very warm welcome during their visit in Wilson County.â€
Each morning before the ride begins, riders will read the biography of a Vietnam soldier who lost their life on that same day years ago. A rider will then volunteer to take the biography to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C., where it will be laid under the soldier’s name.
The goal of RFTW is to promote healing among veterans and their loved ones, to call for an accounting of all listed as POW and MIA, to honor the memory of those Killed in Action from all wars and to support U.S. military personnel all over the world.
Their motto: “Riding for those who Can’t — Remembering for those who Don’tâ€
For more information about Run For The Wall, visit .
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