GRANTS - Military veterans on their annual road trip, Run for the Wall, by motorcycle to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. stopped in Grants at the Vietnam Memorial on May 15. About 50 cyclists were greeted by Grants Mayor Joe Murrietta, representatives of Grants MainStreet and other dignitaries.

This is the fourth year that RFTW cyclists have included Grants' on their cross-country journey to the nation's capital.

The morning event was attended by Korean War Army veteran, Peter Milan, among other veterans and the opening prayer was offered by former Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Dan Sousa. Cruise Apodaca made a presentation for the Vietnam Memorial Committee from RFTW which was accepted by Mary Lou Savedra, wife of state coordinator for RFTW, Raymond Savedra. Murrietta was presented with a plaque and certificate of appreciation, as was the city of Grants and MainStreet.

J.D. Brown, veteran of the war in Vietnam while serving as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, was one of the riders. Asked how was the ride this morning, Brown replied,

“Wonderful, the weather is cooperating.”

Monte Apodaca, another rider, agreed, “Nice. I joined in Gallup and am going as far as Burlington, Colo.”

“This is a mission, we ride for those who can't,” state coordinator Ray Savedra said of the motto of the annual event.  “There is no drinking, this is not a party,” he finished.

Usually the group just passes through a state in one day, but they spent about a day and a half in New Mexico, reported Mary Lou.

The group had breakfast in Gallup, stopped in Grants and at Route 66 Casino down the highway. “It's amazing how generous the state of New Mexico is,” she said.

“Everyone wants them. Espanola wants them to stop there next year,” Mary Lou said.

Ray had been riding with the group as a road guard, but is already back home due to a spill on his bike that broke his foot.

“There are usually a few accidents on this trip, usually by new members,” he said.

“I consider myself lucky, this was my first accident,” said Savedra, who has been riding since 1971.

As road guard, Savedra checked the rider's gear to ensure nothing was loose and then road next to the group in formation to keep it tightly organized and to prevent cars from breaking into the center of the group.

On May 23 cyclists will visit Arlington National Cemetery and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will have a group photo taken at the Lincoln Memorial, and receive their Mission Accomplished Plaque at the Vietnam Memorial.

The event will conclude with the Rolling Thunder Parade at the Pentagon North parking lot.