Several hundred motorcyclist participating in the veteran’s “Run for the Wall” event arrived in Cookeville Monday afternoon.
The convoy was welcomed by flag-bearing residents lining Jefferson Avenue until they reached the Leslie Town Centre for dinner. Rider Dan Sifford said he began his ride in Colorado.
“First year I did it, it was a bucket list item,” Sifford said. “What really amazed me was my first year I rode into Cookeville. I was glad it was raining, so people couldn’t see I was crying. I felt like this was my first official welcome home after I got home from Vietnam.”
The 10-day trek began in Los Angles, California and ends in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day. Rider Earl Miller said he comes from Arizona riding for those who can’t.
“My dad was in the Army in World War II,” Miller said. “My father-in-law was a highly decorated marine in World War II. My brother-in-law lost a leg in Vietnam. I was in the Air Force for six years. I feel like I owe it to people that can’t do it.”
The fleet will make its last stop at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall and Arlington National Cemetery. Miller said the moment the riders arrive is “amazing.”
“You get a group in here and it is like a family,” Miller said. “You get to the wall and it is really emotional. There is a lot of tears, and it is a great feeling to get there and finish the voyage.”
Cookeville serves as the only overnight stay in the state for the group.
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