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UAW Local 2069 Veterans Committee’s
Ride for Freedom/Run for the Wall

On Saturday, May 27, well over 200 area motorcyclists and as many local supporters assembled at the UAW union hall, located across from the New River Valley Truck Plant, for the 15th Annual UAW Veterans Ride for Freedom/Run to the Wall, Memorial Ceremony. The public was invited to attend and support what had become the biggest local event of the weekend.

This year’s ceremony reflected our military today as it embodies the “Spirit of 1776” now. However, instead of militias and the Continental Army of General George Washington, it was a team of National Guardsmen, Reservist and active duty soldiers. These modern day patriots’up-hold the valor and courage of veterans of by-gone eras. They, too, have left the comforts of home to secure freedom in yet another far away land.

Veterans Committee Chairman Mark Peterson noted that “Memorial Day reminds us that Freedom is always under challenge and Freedom is never free. Freedom is important enough to live for and is precious enough to die for. For veterans, especially those who served in combat or those who have loved ones serving in combat, we should not need a national day of remembrance to remind us of the daily dangers and stark realities of the price of freedom. Every day is Memorial Day”.

Speakers included Ms. Ann Dooley Davis who gave her first public speach as a Gold Star Mother, recently having been officially recognized as one. Ann understandably has had a hard time since her son, Micheal E. Dooley, was killed in action, June 8th, 2003. The Gold Star Mothers Association has help Ann tremendously and she is up to the task of carrying the legacy of her son and the Gold Star Mothers.

Ben Goodson of Parkersburg, WVA represented the Wounded Warrior Project, a
501 C-3 non-profit veterans service organization. Ben was near dead when hit by a road side bomb in Iraq. After two years of extensive rehab and dozens of surgeries, Ben proved his heart and spirit as he went back into the civilian world and began working on a Masters Degree in teaching. Ben, a 15 year Ranger, has seen combat and conflict in many places across the world. He shared some of his experiences and the mission of
the Wounded Warrior Project. Mr. Goodson brought a reality check to what is happening with our service members serving in Iraq and other countries in conflict across the globe.

Key note speaker this year was Mr. David Harker, a five year POW of the Vietnam War. Captured January 8, 1968 and released March 16, 1973, the Lynchburg native is complemented by authors of “Why Didn’t You Get Me Out”, Frank Anton and Roanoke Times editor, Tommy Denton. “Harker was a pillar of steadfastness in that long ago horrific time for us. I will always remember that during some times of strife, David was always the steady hand and voice of reason that helped get us through many a bad day”.

Harker is described in “Why Didn’t You Get Me Out” as a main contributor to the health and survival of his fellow comrades. His endurance helped sustain the group, by the extra work he was able to do and by the example of fortitude he set. This was especially courageous since Harker suffered from a bayonet wound during a failed escape attempt. Mr. Harker was a POW for three years in the jungle death camps and 2 years in Hanoi.

Live music, a bagpiper and taps added to the reverence of the occasion. VFW Post 1184 posted the colors and performed the honor guard.

The Ride for Freedom trucks that acted as the group’s rolling color guard to Washington, DC were also present. Peterson added “This year’s units are un-arguably the most touching yet; they too reflect the cost of freedom and of the missing men who were left behind through all the wars. The thoughtfulness that has gone into these designs touched the hundreds of thousands of veterans that were involved in the Ride for Freedom weekend, here locally and across the nation”.

After the ceremony it was departure time for the Ride for Freedom/Run to the wall. Peterson adds, “The Memorial Day weekend is a significant time of the year, so many small towns like ours across America have their citizens serving in the military. Many of them are citizen soldiers, meaning Reservist and National Guardsmen. They are in the field at this very hour… tired, homesick and in danger. The Ride for Freedom is as much for them and the veterans who gave that supreme sacrifice. We will never forget and we’ll keep praying till they all come home”.

Sunday May 28th, the group joined the 600,000 other veterans, motorcyclist, modern day patriots to participate in Rolling Thunder XIX, in Washington DC.