Bikers bring cross-country journey to Indiana

GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT) – An annual, cross-country Memorial Day custom made its presence recognized within the coronary heart of the Tristate. Run for the Wall consists of veterans, patriots, and motorcyclists who journey from California to Washington D.C. to honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day weekend. The group of greater than 500 riders stopped in Gibson County for a brief break on their trek to the Vietnam Wall.

“We as Individuals, we take nice honor in honoring our veterans who’ve sacrificed every thing, as a result of freedom isn’t free.”

Ted Kapner, Director of Communications for Run for the Wall, was on-site to assist coordinate the efficiently-planned cease in southwest Indiana. With the streets lined with residents greeting the riders, Kapner says this occasion is impactful for each attendees and the riders.

“It’s essential,” explains Kapner. “That’s our mission, we experience for individuals who can’t, and to result in an consciousness for POW, KIA, MIA, and people who are wounded in motion.”

Laurie Ziliak introduced her two younger sons to see the motorcade in-person. Ziliak says she has a private connection to Run for the Wall, reflecting on her time as a volunteer and her grandfather’s service within the navy. She says she desires her youngsters to see the true that means of Memorial Day in motion.

“It’s not only a vacation to take off work, and take pleasure in no matter you might take pleasure in,” says Laurie. “It’s a lot greater than that.”

Laurie’s son, Garrett, struggled to seek out phrases to clarify the sight of lots of of bikers pulling into his city.

“It makes me proud that everybody right here honors these folks,” says Garrett.