Lead Run-For-The-Wall bikers were greeted by waving onlookers at Valley Park in Hurricane on Wednesday May 24th.
Memorial Day, originally Decoration Day, was established to honor the soldiers who perished in the cause perserving the Union and making way for the end of slavery. The day quickly transitioned into a day to honor all who had perished in the defense of their country, both the Union and the Confederacy. The observance was again extended to honor those who died in future wars.
Memorial Day is not a day of celebration for members of the American Legion or the several hundred bikers who participate in the 10-day journey from California to Washington DC. It is a day when they remember the faces of family members and friends who never returned from foreign wars.
All who have served in the military and have come home know that their fate could have been as the thousands that did not.
Members of Legion Post #187 and RFTW bikers have a long weekend because memories make it so. To them, honoring the fallen is their Reasonable Service.