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KINGDOM CITY - Dozens of motorcycles cruised through Kingdom City en route to Arlington National Cemetery.
The "Missing in America Project" is a group dedicated to ensuring Veterans get a military burial.
The bikers are transporting three veterans' remains.
The three men never received a formal military burial and it's unclear why.
"Family not knowing that they're there, not having any family, there's a thousand reasons," said Assistant National Operations Coordinator Joe Smith.
The program's founder said the reception while riding across country has been tremendous.
"Lone soldiers on the side of the road, overpasses filled with hundreds of people waving," said Fred Salanti.
The group's National Operations Coordinator says the trip signifies a tribute to the men who never got the opportunity for the honor of a formal military funeral.
"This is a historical event. It really is. Not only for the 'Missing in America Project', but for Veterans everywhere," said Linda Smith.
Salanti said the convoy picks up and drops about 200 riders per state as some bikers ride along for the duration of their home state, then turn around upon reaching another state's borders.
Some have come all the way from California and plan to continue to Arlington National Cemetery.
The remains of Isaiah Mays, James W. Dunn, and Johnnie F. Callahan are contained in urns riding in a special case on the back of a tricked-out "trike", or three-wheeled, open-air vehicle.
All three veterans earned honors during their service.
Mays won a Medal of Honor for his service as a Buffalo Soldier in the late 1890s.
Dunn earned numerous awards, including a Silver Star, for his service as a medic in Vietnam.
Callahan was awarded a Silver Star during World War II during his service with the Navy.
Reported by: Brian Mortensen
Published: Monday, May 25, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Last Updated: Monday, May 25, 2009 at 7:30 PM |
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