RAINELLE W.Va. (WVDN) – Since May 1989, motorcyclists have been gathering to honor the fallen and the missing soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. “Run for the Wall” rolled out of San Diego, California with a police escort and a handful of riders in May of 1989, riding across the heartlands of America, with a final destination of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
Run For The Wall (also known as RFTW) is an organized cross-country motorcycle ride to honor veterans, their families and friends and to raise awareness of those still missing – Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA). The ride, or “run” as many motorcyclists call it, starts in Ontario, California and ten days later ends at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. They then have a 3-day “run” from D.C. to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, IL. “Wall to Wall.”
There is an exactness to riding, and if you’ve ever wondered about their line-ups, you may see a gap in the “6 man” groups. The main pack of motorcycles is divided into platoons. Each platoon is headed by a Platoon Leader and an Assistant Platoon Leader as well as one or two Tail Gunners to help pace the group. A special formation called “The Missing Man Formation” is one of many precise ways to honor the fallen.
The Missing Man Formation is a rolling salute to honor the memory of the fallen, KIA, MIA, or POW. Five bikes ride in formation with a space where one bike should be, symbolizing the person’s absence. On each leg of each route, they honor a different individual in the Missing Man Formation. There is a short ceremony just prior to the departure of the pack and they say their names so that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
You will also notice that the riders participating in the Missing Man Formation do not wave at onlookers while riding in formation. Their ride is solemn and sincere – a rolling salute. This is the highest form of honor and respect and serves as a stark reminder of those who sacrificed their future for that of our nation. May their memories always be a blessing and may we never forget that freedom is not free.
Today marks the 34th year that riders have chosen to spend Memorial Day weekend, in the manner it was intended for; to honor the POWs, MIAs and those who made sacrifices so that we might be free and prosper. To set an example of what honor and tribute stand for. To give recognition and annually pay respects to each soldier lost to war. To “ride for those who can’t.” Starting with less than 20 riders in 1989, today there are over 1,800 enthusiasts who have joined in the Run for the Wall and those numbers are growing.
From May 15 to 25, the route goes to D.C. They have added a fourth route this year called “The Sandbox” where they ride from ‘Wall to Wall’, from the Vietnam Memorial Wall to The Middle East Conflict Wall in Marseilles, IL. There are three “Coast to Coast” Routes that all start in Ontario, California and conclude at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The three routes are the Central Route, the Midway Route and the Southern Route.
Central Route riders will roll through Rainelle, on May 25 around noon, where The “Mountaineers Garden of Honor” will grace the riders with a sight to behold. Festivities will continue through the weekend in Rainelle and all are welcome.
The “Mountaineers Garden of Honor” was established by the L.Z. Rainelle Veterans Reunion and has over 11,000 flags placed for every West Virginian Soldier who gave their lives for our Country.
The ceremony details are as follows:
Thursday, May 24, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. Mountaineer Veterans Garden of Honor Candlelight Ceremony
Opening Prayer – David Harvey
Singing of National Anthem – Delany Redden
Speakers: Danny “Greasy” Belcher – TFO of Kentucky & Terry Cunningham – Gold Star Chapter President. “Letters From Home”
Taps – V.F.W. 6106 Commander, Bill Sanford Auxiliary, Vicki Sanford.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
11:30 A.M. – Thomas Wayne Danley on the lawn in front of city hall
12:00 P.M. – Grand Parade hosted by Rainelle Fire Department (Parade route exit Ind. Park to Rt.20 N – Rt 60 E – to James River & Kanawha Tpk – Gbr. Ave – to 11th St – Rt 60 W and back through town to Ind. Park to 811th)
4 p.m. – Talent Show Registration at Rainelle City Hall at 3 p.m. (No fee to enter)
* Performances are to be limited to 5 minutes
* Please have your act & music ready to perform.
1st. Place – $150
2nd. Place – $100
3rd. Place – $75
Children 12 and under – $50
Contacts: Sue Sanford 304-438-9549 – Sandra Sorrells 304-646-9973.
7-9 p.m.- Rainelle City Hall Stage will host the Mountain Treasures Band. Bring a lawn chair. (In case of inclement weather, go to Rainelle Elementary School Gymnasium. Enter the back of the school.) Grand Marshals will be Gold Star Mothers.
