Annual Run for the Wall Taking Place Next Week
May 16, 2023
Tuscaloosa, AL – Run For The Wall is the Largest and Longest Organized Cross-Country Motorcycle Run of its kind in the World. We travel from California to Washington, DC, and from Washington, DC to Marseilles, Illinois every May with over 1,800 participants annually. We strive to maintain a safe, supportive, and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.
Jerry "Sparks" Leckness- State Coordinator- Alabama expressed the thoughts below when asked why the Run for the Wall was important to him.
"I ride for those who can’t. We experience tremendous patriotism in every community we visit. Along our route we see American flags and people young and old who have come out to meet with us and to cheer us on. They greet us on overpasses and along the city streets, waving flags and cheering as we enter their communities. They welcome us into their homes, churches, and organizations. They nourish us. They encourage us. They keep us going when the going gets tough. They help us “Continue the Mission”, said Leckness.
In Tuscaloosa, we visit the VA Medical Center. This year, because of COVID protocols, the riders will do a parade lap through the VA Medical Center. A small group of Ambassadors will remain behind and meet with the staff and patients. 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. I get tears in my eyes every time we roll into the VA Medical Center. This is why I ride. On my first run I saw the healing powers of the run. 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. I ride for them. I ride as a matter of honor and duty," said Leckness.
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Run For The Wall will be in Tuscaloosa on May 23rd. They will ride through the VA at 10:15 am and then have lunch at Tuscaloosa Harley Davidson Dealership (6401 Interstate Drive Cottondale, AL 35453) from 10:41-11:41 am.
Event contacts:
Brian Butler - bbutler@cobbsallen.com | 205-246-3721
Chris Leckness - chris.leckness@gmail.com | 205-292-1800
Jerry “Sparks” Leckness Kd4xr@hotmail.com | (205) 381-2255