When the "Run for the Wall" motorcyclists pulled onto the state Capitol grounds Thursday, they were met with flag-waving, patriotic support from West Virginians.
Run for the Wall is an annual motorcycle event in remembrance of American veterans who were killed in action, missing in action or prisoners of war. Riders travel from California to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, in Washington, D.C., where they place a wreath at the monument and pay respects to their fallen comrades.
West Virginia Vietnam veterans Roger Keller and Ronny Stone are two of the hundreds of motorcyclists riding in remembrance, taking part in the run for five and seven years, respectively. Although Keller and Stone are lifelong friends who went to high school with one another, Keller said that Run for the Wall is not a joy ride for them, but a mission.
The riders are highly organized, Keller said, with motorcyclists split into "platoons" and platoon leaders conducting the movements of their group. This year, Keller is a platoon leader and responsible for his own group of riders.
"We manage our platoon and we move it down the road like a locomotive. We keep them together," Keller said. "You've got to do that when you've got 500 bikes moving."
Upon arrival, the riders parked their bikes around the fountain in the Capitol's north courtyard, only steps away from the West Virginia Veterans Memorial, and were treated to refreshments, as well as a much-needed break before setting off for the remainder of their trip.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and American Legion Department of West Virginia Commander Kenneth Smith spoke during a brief ceremony for the riders, recognizing the state for its unrivaled percentage of men and women who join the military, as well as the riders' respect for their lost friends.
Smith, a veteran who worked on underground intercontinental ballistic missiles during the Vietnam War, said that Run for the Wall is a way for surviving veterans and the American public to recognize the sacrifice of those who did not return.
"The ones who lost their lives can't be here, but all of us are here in their honor to help make the public aware of what went on," Smith said.
Emma Johnson was an onlooker at the event. Her grandson, Marine Lance Cpl. Adam Crumpler, was 19 years old when he was killed by small-arms fire in Iraq in 2005. Johnson said the Run for the Wall is an emotional event for her, but that the riders show support for her son's sacrifice. Johnson's daughter, Joetta Johnson-Kirk, said some of the riders honor Crumpler by placing a photo of him on their bikes as they ride across the country.
"We support them because they went there and they fought and they came home," Johnson said. "They came home, but mine didn't."
Keller reiterated that the Run for the Wall is an emotional, reflective experience, especially for Vietnam veterans, who didn't receive a warm welcome upon returning from combat.
"We were forgotten when we came back. We came back and they shunned us," Keller said. "But now, we're getting our welcome."
The Run for the Wall isn't just for Vietnam veterans, though. Keller said that, as Vietnam veterans have started to age, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are keeping the annual ride alive.
Stone said that returning to his home state after more than two weeks on the road was a great feeling and that he and Keller were thrilled with the patriotism on display at the Capitol.
"As we come across this country, we see the patriotism in other states," Stone said, "and we're not a bit ashamed of the patriotism in West Virginia."
Reach Jared Casto at jared.casto@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4832 or follow @JaredCasto on Twitter.