‘Run for the Wall’

By Brian Livingston

May 20, 2008 12:21 am

— blivingston@themeridianstar.com

As approximately 600 motorcyclists from all over the country climbed off their bikes late Monday afternoon at the Lauderdale County Agriculture Center in Meridian, U.S. Navy jet trainers from NAS Meridian appeared on station to welcome them with a mini airshow.
The motorcyclists have been making their way through Meridian eight years now as part of the Run for the Wall. They are on their way to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. and stop off in Meridian for a good meal and a good rest each year.
"We just want to show them that we are behind them and they are doing something we can't do and that is ride all the way across and bring this awareness. I would like to show them that Meridian cares," said Meridian Chief Administrative Officer Ken Storms, who is also a military veteran.
They are riding to raise awareness about MIA and POW issues. Issues Storms says remain critical.
The Run for the Wall riders left Jackson Monday evening and rode along Interstate 20 to Meridian. Thousands of residents lined the route to welcome the riders and show their support. People stood on overpasses and parked alongside the interstate and Hwy. 19 South waving American flags and shouting as the riders passed by. In one spot next to Bonita Lakes, Jan Cade of Russell stood along with Allan and Andrea Gartrell and Harold and Peggy Mazingo.
"I know when they pass by I'm going to cry," said Cade, who has a son currently serving in the Persian Gulf aboard a U.S. Navy vessel. "It is so good to see the people come out in support of the riders and it is just a wonderful thing these riders do to support MIAs and POWs."

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