By Marty Mayfield<\/p>\n
KRTN Multi-Media<\/p>\n
30 years ago a small group of veterans took a ride. Little did they know that, that ride would grow into an annual event that is now the largest Memorial Day celebration in the country. The ride was done simply to heal wounds that went deep, not only into the body, but the soul of those veterans who came home to less than a warm welcome or no welcome at all.<\/p>\n
Dennie Georgette has riden the Run for the Wall since 2000 and but hasn’t missed a year since 2008. When he started it was simply a ride to heal. A desire has grown from within and today he rides to help others as an Ambassador for the Run for the Wall. To provide camaraderie to those who are still feeling the pain of the battle. He noted that he will be doing this as long as he can get his leg over the saddle. Harlin Olsen a RFTW coordinator began his ride in Colorado several years ago, not knowing what to expect he said he was hooked and has been riding ever since.<\/p>\n
Others who have made the trip talk about how emotional it is. How important it is to be able to talk to someone who has been there and simply understands the pain of those wounds, not only the physical but the emotional wounds as well. One veteran told us that the ride is not so much for himself but to get the government to work harder at bringing those MIA warriors home. To provide more funding to accomplish “the mission.”<\/p>\n
Georgette who is now an Ambassador for the Run helps promote the “Mission for the Ride,” which states “to promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends”. “To Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) in all wars” and “to support our military personnel all over the world.”<\/p>\n
Many of the riders wear patches on the back of their vest promoting the purpose of the Ride. It states, “We ride for those who can’t” For those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in order for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today. To remind us that those individuals, the prisoners of war and the missing in action, should not be forgotten. Georgette noted that his wife’s brother’s name is on the wall, another reason for his participation. Other veterans carry memorials with them to leave at the wall as a way to remember them. To remind others of \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0their ultimate sacrifice.<\/p>\n