Motorcycle enthusiasts ride for many causes and for many bikers nothing is closer to the heart than taking to the saddle to honor military personnel.

The appreciation and respect felt by the riding community is currently being exemplified by bikers riding across the country from California to Washington, D.C. in the 2010 Run for the Wall.

Allowing riders to join the event and ride for as long as they wish the event started in Rancho Cucamonga, California on May 19^th, taking to the road at 8 a.m.. The riders will arrive in Washington D.C. by Memorial Day where they will join bikers from all over the country will come together for Rolling Thunder XXIII.

Throughout the trip, the band of bikers will attend civic ceremonies, have meals and gas bought for the work and attention the ride brings to veteran’s affairs as well as visit war memorials. With the theme of remembering any military personnel considered Prisoners of War and Missing in Action as well keeping the spotlight on those healing from past wars; it’s not surprising to learn organizers hope to visit veterans hospitals.

Started in 1989 by two Vietnam veterans, James Gregory and Bill Evans the event considers itself non-political and isn’t meant to stage any kind of demonstration. Instead, participants speak with the media and raise awareness of military personnel who have served in all wars and especially prisoners of war and military members who died while on active duty.

An idea of what the riders bring to the communities they visit as well as the events that make up the trip comes on Friday while the ride is in New Mexico. After a breakfast held by different posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, riders will conduct a wreath laying ceremony at a local memorial. The motorcycle caravan will then be escorted to Texas state line to continue the trip to Washington D.C..

On Friday, Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will sponsor a breakfast for the riders, who will then caravan to Veterans Memorial Park, 2651 Roadrunner Parkway, where they will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony. White Sands Missile Range Command Sgt. Maj. Reggie Daniel will be the guest speaker at that ceremony.

The motorcycle caravan will then be escorted to the Texas state line, where they will continue their trek to Washington, D.C.

In total, more than 600 riders set out from Rancho Cucamonga, California for the event, separating into two groups along a southern and central route on their way to Washington D.C..