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Run for the Wall Rumbles Through Raton Saturday

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

They rumbled into town and once again Raton turned out to help fuel and greet participants of the central route of the Run for the Wall.

Team Lead Smitty read a letter honoring Lcpl Matius Newman Hanson who paid the ultimate price while serving in Afghanistan. Run for the Wall participants will carry a flag to the wall in his memory. During the short ceremony Captain Edna Candelario spoke making note of the many nurses and women soldiers who have served and given their lives in the defense of our country. She noted not only the sacrifices that many of the women have faced but the fact that women have now risen through the ranks to command a fleet and battalions of soldiers.

Riders mounted up and moved down the street. They headed north on Second Street and on to the interstate heading for Pueblo Saturday morning. From there they rode east and will arrive in Washington DC to join thousands of other riders to create Rolling Thunder as they ride for those who can’t.

 

Retired Lt. Col Gilbert San Roman salutes riders for the Run for the Wall as they ride down Clayton Road in Raton Saturday morning
Retired Lt. Col Gilbert San Roman salutes riders for the Run for the Wall as they ride down Clayton Road in Raton Saturday morning

 

The American Flag hangs over Clayton road as Run for the Wall riders begin to assemble Saturday morning
The American Flag hangs over Clayton road as Run for the Wall riders begin to assemble Saturday morning

 

Captain Edna Candelario spoke about the role of women in the armed forces at the Run for the Wall gathering Saturday morning.
Captain Edna Candelario spoke about the role of women in the armed forces at the Run for the Wall gathering Saturday morning.

 

Bikes line Clayton Road near the visitor's center as an American Flag hangs over the street. The flag is provided by Raton Fire and Emergency Services
Bikes line Clayton Road near the visitor’s center as an American Flag hangs over the street. The flag is provided by Raton Fire and Emergency Services

 

this was found on the side of a support vehicle
this was found on the side of a support vehicle

 

Napalm decorates the saddle bags on this bike. Just one of the unique paint jobs found on many of the Run for the Wall participants bikes
Napalm decorates the saddle bags on this bike. Just one of the unique paint jobs found on many of the Run for the Wall participants bikes

 

Freshly painted in Rio Rancho this helmet depicts scenes often seen in combat
Freshly painted in Rio Rancho this helmet depicts scenes often seen in combat

 

Patches adorn the leather vests and jackets of Run for the Wall participants
Patches adorn the leather vests and jackets of Run for the Wall participants

 

They ride for those who can't
They ride for those who can’t

 

More patches
More patches

 

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