LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Hundreds of veterans riding with the national "Run for the Wall" motorcycle caravan stopped Wednesday morning in Louisville at the VA Hospital.
This parking lot at the VA Hospital on Zorn Avenue filled with live music and the rumble of engines Wednesday as hundreds of people enjoyed a pit stop on the cross-country journey.
Here’s part of the video of the caravan leaving and heading to Frankfort, Ky. They’ll head to Mount Sterling after that then on to West Virginia. The final destination is Washington D.C. @WDRBNews @RunForTheWall pic.twitter.com/jnyNsGflEW
— Monica Harkins WDRB (@MonicaHarkinstv) May 25, 2022
The Run for the Wall is an annual ride honoring veterans — including prisoners of war, those missing in action and others who gave their lives — ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The organizers of the ride say it's also a healing journey for veterans and their loved ones who join the caravan.
"We decided to do this for healing," said Nancy Pederson, a Wyoming resident who joined the ride. "We have six relatives or friends from the service that we're riding for that can't ride."
Riders with the 'Run for the Wall' motorcycle caravan visit Louisville's VA Hospital on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
The motorcyclists were welcomed by VA Hospital staff members who came outside to meet with them.
Normally, riders would go inside to visit patients, but that's one tradition that hasn't resumed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the riders said they're happy to be able to ride together again and see communities across the country support those who have served.
"All of those people that support us over the overpasses, all the people that put on events like this, they really support us in our journey," Pederson said. "And it's very overwhelming. You humble us."
In total, there's about 500 motorcyclists registered. Organizer said that number fluctuates, though, with the group gaining and losing some riders along the way.
The caravan plans to spend some time Wednesday afternoon in Frankfort before continuing on to Washington.
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