VFW Salutes ‘Run for the Wall’ Riders
Sponsors 'Fuel Stop' for over 600 riders
May 21, 2012
The Membership department at VFW
National Headquarters joined local VFW members in Concordia, Mo., to pay
tribute to motorcyclists participating in the annual cross-country “Run for the
Wall” motorcycle ride.
More than 600 riders made a pit stop
in Concordia as they journeyed to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington,
D.C., to honor veterans of past and
current wars.
Flags lined the road as members
of the community cheered for the riders as they entered town.
To show their appreciation to the
riders, community members provided a catered lunch. Concordia VFW Post 5649 set
up a booth outside the pavilion where lunch was served, and Post members expressed
their gratitude to the riders and even signed-up new VFW members.
The
riders truly appreciated everyone’s generous efforts. “The ladies and gentlemen serving [lunch] were so generous
with their compliments and appreciation of the riders and all military personnel. We
were treated to sandwiches, beans, drinks, desserts – served with a genuine
spirit of gratitude and friendly smiles and encouraging words,” shared
rider Reuben Siverling.
Before the riders hit the road
again, the VFW covered nearly $3,700 in gas for every biker to fill his tank. “Sponsoring the
fuel stop is a great opportunity to interact with veterans. Giving them a few gallons
of gas is a great way to support what they’re doing,” said Dan Parker, VFW’s
Deputy Director of Membership. The VFW has sponsored the fuel stop for several
years.
As the riders rode out of town,
local residents lined Main Street to give them a proper send-off.
The
annual event is one the VFW plans to continue participating in. “We support the
‘Run for the Wall’ riders in their mission of riding for those who can’t and
raising awareness about the true cost of freedom,” said Parker.
*Photo courtesy of Heather Frazier of HNF Photography
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