The central route of the Run for the Wall in Washington DC will once again stop in Mt. Vernon. More than 300 bikes are expected to arrive in Mt. Vernon via I-64 at the Route 15 exit at 10:45 next Tuesday morning, May 21st.
The mission of the 34th annual program is to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those killed in action from all wars and to support military personnel all over the world.
After exiting I-64 the bikes will first fuel at the Hucks at 34th and Broadway. From there, they will stage in the Rural King parking lot and parade to Mt. Vernon Airport where a dedicated committee and a few student organizations from several area schools will provide a fried chicken dinner and other amenities for the riders. A flag ceremony will be conducted by Mt. Vernon American Legion and Terri Sullivan will sing the National Anthem.
Assistant State Coordinator Angela Schrum, who also heads Mt. Vernon Tourism says the Mt. Vernon Airport is an impeccable host, and the venue is ideal for the crowd. She notes that emergency services are integral in getting the riders in and through Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County safely.
Mt. Vernon is the only Illinois stop for the 34th annual event.
Those who participate in the Run for the Wall can sign up to join the route at any point from California to Washington D.C. Many people ride the entire route, while others join the pack for a leg of the journey. Once they converge in D.C., riders are free to return to their homes via any route they choose.
The pack will leave the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport at 12:50 p.m. and travel east on Route 15 to Wayne City where they will get back on I-64 and continue their journey towards Washington D. C. for Memorial Day. Area residents are encouraged to line Broadway between 10:50 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. All times are approximate. Wave your flags and support the riders who say, “we ride for those who can’t.”
Travelers in Mt. Vernon on May 21st when RFTW is present should expect delays and authorities suggest taking alternate routes of Richview Road or Veteran’s Memorial Drive, when possible, between 10:50 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
More information about the entire Run can be found at: https://rftw.us/central-route-hub/
