JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - About 250 motorcycles and riders cruised into Junction City May 23, en route to Washington, D.C. The riders were part of Run for the Wall, an annual motorcycle run to the Vietnam Wall in the nation's capitol.
The annual event starts in California, travels in two routes - a central and a southern - and heads east, picking up riders at various stopping points along the way.
Thousands of riders participate annually. At the end of the 10-day trek, several hundred thousand motorcycles converge in D.C., and participate in the Rolling Thunder parade, ending at the Vietnam Wall Memorial.
The event is designed to show recognition and support for veterans, as well as raise awareness among elected officials and U.S. citizens of veterans who are still listed as missing in action or prisoners of war.
"Regardless of where they start from, the mission is the same," said Terry "Darkhouse" Houck, of American Legion Post 136 in Mulvane, Kan. "It's to keep the government aware, keep the public aware, to never forget those who have served and especially those who are still listed as missing."
Houck and his wife, Carol, founded the Patriot Guard in 2005, standing guard with American flags at military funerals in order to shield the Families from protesters. The Houcks started the guard in Kansas, but since its inception, the group has grown and spread across the U.S.
Houck also is a veteran of the 1st Infantry Division, serving in Vietnam with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment - a unit now a part of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Houck came to Junction City to welcome the riders into town and to participate in a short ceremony after their arrival. He was not continuing to Washington, D.C., although he has done the ride on several occasions.
Sid Cain, of Andover, Kan., however, is making the run all the way to the wall.
Cain said it was his first time to participate. While he wanted to go last year, he unexpectedly had to deal with some other things.
"There wasn't anything that was going to stop me this year," Cain said. "I'm just going to soak it all in - this adventure."
Cain said he was stopped by one woman at the event, who asked him to take a beaded ribbon to lay at the wall for her.
"This is such a worthwhile journey," he said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Buddy Wallace, division rear command sergeant major, paid special tribute to Vietnam veterans during his comments at the Run for the Wall ceremony in Junction City's Heritage Park.
"To all the Vietnam veterans, so many of you did not get the welcome home you deserve," Wallace said. "Thank you for your service. Welcome home."
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