Tag Archives: Run for the Wall

Run for the Wall rolls on.

Posted on by


WILLIAMS—The riders of Run for the Wall stopped in Williams for an overnighter before continuing on their journey in the early morning of the 16th.

Their mission statement from their web site is:

To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.

The Run for the Wall event was started 25 years ago by James Gregory and Bill Evans. They came up with an idea to bring attention to those POWs and MIAs who were still unaccounted for. The ten-day trek across the United States is a peaceful, non-political demonstration to honor the memory of those who have given all.

There are still several Arizonans listed as missing in action.

Williams has been the end of the first day of their ride where the American Legion Cordova Post #13 provides a barbeque and a rest for the weary travelers. The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce provided American flags for the viewers of the parade to wave as they passed.

Run for the Wall departed May 16.

Run for the Wall arrives today

Posted on by

sam-eagleWILLIAMS—Memorial day weekend is coming soon; a day in which we honor the sacrifices that are veterans have made and those in service today. It also means that the motorcycle riders of Run for the Wall start their annual trek to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. The ride is meant to make the public aware of the prisoners of war and those still listed as missing in action.

Another group called Rolling Thunder with the same mission recently highlighted the plight of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl. They believe that he is still alive and a prisoner of war after four years.

Each year both groups ride to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington in time for Memorial Day. To support the ride they set up in towns and sell souvenirs of the ride. Their first stop since mid-2000 has been Williams where the American Legion Cordova Post #13 provides a hot meal and a rest for their visit.

The veterans enter the City with a parade each year.

Each year many of the Williams residents stop by and visit the veterans and give them support. Or maybe it’s just to check out the motorcycles.

640pxeagle-01

See Also:
2012 Run for the Wall

2011 ride

Run for the Wall stops at the American Legion for supper

Posted on by

WILLIAMS—The American Legion in Williams set up a dinner for the riders of Run for the Wall event. Mayor John Moore as usual welcomed the riders and thanked them for their service.

Run for the Wall is an annual event since 1989 in which veterans of all services ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. to arrive by Memorial Day. They ride to bring attention to the still missing in action and prisoners of war from all wars and to honor those who were killed in action. Their motto is “We ride for those who can’t.”

The policy of the federal government until recently has always been to not leave men behind in a war.

Mayor John Moore welcomes the veterans.

Richard Aguilar of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 organizes the event each year. With the help of his brother Eddie and Melvin Berry they organized volunteers to set up, cook and clean-up after the event.

Commander of the Post Horacio Ortiz said that the volunteers were having a great time this year and were in high spirits. He was extremely happy with all of the volunteers.

Veterans stop to say hello to local residents.

The efforts of the Legion are appreciated by the riders of Run for the Wall who make Williams their first stop each year.

The Prescott Veteran Center brought a van to the event with various gifts for the veterans. These included a pocket calendar, various health pamphlets and stress squeeze foam items. One of the most useful to Navy veterans involved in anti-submarine warfare is a foam squeeze submarine.

Local welcome dog Prince receives a new tag from Run for the Wall crew.