CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Drivers on I-64 Thursday may have seen the Run for the Ride motorcycle ride pass by on their way through the Mountain State.
The bikers rode into Hurricane City Park Wednesday on the cross-country trip. Thursday, they left Hurricane and took some time to stop by the Veterans Memorial at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston before heading out on the next leg of the trip to Washington, DC.
Each year, leading up to Memorial Day, hundreds of bikers, many of whom are veterans themselves, ride in groups from across the United States to Washington. Some have come from as far away as California to ride for those who cannot.
The pit stops in West Virginia have also become part of the tradition. Members of the American Legion were even on hand at the State Capitol to meet with the riders and share stories of the road and their service. Organizers say it’s about more than an honorary act.
“I served in the U.S. Navy, and I’m a veteran of the Desert Shield/Desert Storm conflict. I’ll do it again. I want to make sure my country is taken care of and my veterans that are here are taken care of too,” said American Legion State Adjutant for West Virginia and Navy Veteran Thomas Mirabella.
After wrapping up their time in Charleston, the Run for the Wall continued down the West Virginia Turnpike, making a stop at Rainelle Elementary School before finishing up the day in Lewisburg.
