American flags were flying in Junction City Sunday as the city welcomed approximately 380 motorcycle riders participating in the annual Run for the Wall.
Run for the Wall began in 1989 and is a cross country motorcycle trip that starts out on the west coast and finishes in Washington D.C. at the Vietnam Memorial. This year the run split up into three routes with the central route passing right through the middle of the nations heartland, including Junction City.
The riders came into the city on I-70 and exited at South Washington Street and rode past rows of volunteers holding American flags. Their ride stopped at Heritage Park were a ceremony was held at the State of Kansas Vietnam Memorial.
Jim Sands, Ret. Sgt. Major, was the guest speaker during the Ceremony and explained that veterans give honorably, never looking for pity, just expecting a load of respect.
“Many gave their all, openly and freely, and that is what makes this ride heartfelt. For the number of great people, those that have come before us not able to tell their stories, that is the purpose of this ride,” Sands said.
Sands went on to say that the number of veterans continues to increase and what they do is now being recognized.
“Veterans make a difference. We have pride in our country, we have pride in our nation, we have pride for those who can no longer stand. We represent the small, we represent the tall, and we represent all.”
Ken ‘Catfish’ Ward, RFTW Central Route Coordinator, explained that the stop they make each year in Junction City is a special one.
“The turnout we see here is equaled by none across the country. Obviously with Fort Riley here this is a very patriotic town, and we see that every year,” Ward said.
Following the ceremony the riders went to the JC Nazarene Church for dinner. They will stay the night Sunday before heading out early Monday morning for the next leg of their trip.
The ride will culminate on May 23rd and 24th when the three routes will join back together in Arlington, Virginia, and participate in Rolling Thunder at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C..