Motorcycles roar into Tuscaloosa as part of nationwide Run for the Wall

Dozens of motorcyclists visited Tuscaloosa on May 21 as part of the Run for the Wall, a cross-country ride that honors veterans.

The 10-day trek, with more than 1,800 riders participating, began in Ontario, California and was scheduled to conclude at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., over the Memorial Day weekend.

The event also raises awareness about the plight of prisoners of war and troops who are missing in action.

Jerry "Sparks" Leckness, the Alabama coordinator of the Run for the Wall, said the riders always enjoy their visit at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

“This has always been a great event for the veterans at the medical center and they look forward to our arrival. They line the street waving flags and cheering," Leckness said in a news release.

"I get tears in my eyes every time we roll into the VA Medical Center. This is why I ride," he said.

The riders greeted residents at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and ate lunch in Building 137.

Anyone can participate in the Run for the Wall, regardless of their age or whether or not they are a veteran. Riders include veterans, active-duty military, people who want to show their patriotism and friends or family members of veterans.

Leckness said that he has experienced strong emotions during past runs.

"I listened as veterans were able to open up about their combat-related feelings, and I saw them weeping as they placed both hands on the Vietnam Memorial Wall where the names of their fallen friends are engraved," Leckness said. "I ride for them. I ride as a matter of honor and duty."

After visiting Washington, D.C., the riders were scheduled to embark on a 3-day journey to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois, riding from “Wall to Wall.”