Junction City has become a regular stop for the central route of the Run for the Wall Riders as they make their way from Los Angeles, California to Washington D.C. where they will reach their final destination at the Vietnam Memorial.
During their stop in Junction City the riders were escorted to Heritage Park by Geray County Sheriff Tony Wolf, JCPD Captain Dan Breci and City Commissioner Phyllis Fitzgerald. Once at Heritage Park the riders participated in a POW/MIA Memorial Service at the State of Kansas Vietnam Memorial.
Run for the Wall Riders include Veterans of various past wars and patriots who want to do their part in recognizing our Nations Veterans, and this year the Ride includes a Medal of Honor Recipient.
Master Sergeant (Ret) Leroy Petry was presented the Medal of Honor in 2011 by President Barrack Obama for actions in 2008 during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Petry was a member of a team on a mission to capture a Taliban target in Paktia Province on May 26th, 2008, when was wounded in both legs by gunfire, but continue to fight and give orders. When a grenade landed between him and two other soldiers, Petry grabbed it and attempted to throw it away when it exploded, saving the soldiers’ lives but severing his right hand.
He told the crowd Sunday during the POW/MIA Memorial Service that when he found out about the Run for the Wall he knew he had to participate and this is his first year.
“It really made since to me what they were doing. It’s like the Medal of Honor for myself, it’s not for self but it’s to honor all, and that’s exactly what they’re doing when they do the ride,” said Petry.
Petry went on to say that he’s seen the support that the Run for the Wall Riders receive but he kept hearing along the ride,”Wait until you get to Junction City.”
“I saw why as we rode in, and I see why looking at your faces here today.”
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..