Run for the Wall' passes through Meridian

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
May 16, 2004
The thunderous sound of hundreds of motorcycles will shake Meridian on May 24 when military veterans and supporters arrive in town on their way to Washington, D.C., and the nation's capital.
The group left Ontario, Calif., on May 19 to begin the annual 10-day pilgrimage across the heartland of America in time for Memorial Day festivities at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Last year more than 500,000 people participated most were riding motorcycles.
J.B. Griffith, director of the local Harley Owners Group, has been planning the riders' arrival for weeks.
The purpose of the trip is to create a groundswell of support for all American prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars as well as to help those injured in war to heal emotionally.
Brumfield and dozens of riders from Meridian will travel to Jackson to greet others on the pilgrimage and attend a celebration where Gov. Hailey Barbour will speak.
This entire journey will include ceremonies with veterans and civic organizations, visits to war memorials, visits with Veterans Affairs hospitals and stops to remember those missing in action and held as POWs.
Brumfield urges people to support the riders as they arrive in Meridian at about 6:30 p.m. on May 24. The group will spend the night at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center.
The next morning the ladies of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post will cook breakfast for the group. The local Harley Owner's Group will provide fuel for the riders to continue on their way.
Arriving in Washington, D.C., supporters will unite with other riders from all over the country to form "Rolling Thunder's Ride for Freedom XVII" which will include a march from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
WANT TO GO?
What: "Run for the Wall"
When: May 24; riders arrive in Meridian about 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chunky River Harley-Davidson/Buell, 584 Bonita Lakes Drive
Call: 482-4131