Hundreds of motorcyclists stopped in Meridian on their way to Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day services.

Locals lined Highway 19 south of Meridian to welcome the riders, who are riding cross-country in the "Run for the Wall". It honors veterans of all wars and raises awareness for prisoners of war and for those missing in action.

Over 300,000 bikers participate. Meridian is the sixth stop in a run from California to the nation's capitol.

"This ride, as they say, is not a party. We're not on a party, we're on a mission," said Don Stringer, Mississippi coordinator of Run for the Wall.

Roger Bourget is the brain child behind a standout bike named "Citizen Soldier", making its debut in Run for the Wall. The bike will be raffled with the proceeds going to The Better Life Foundation of Mississippi. Bourget said the inspiration for it came from his patriotism.

"It's an honor for me to be involved in it," Bourget said.

Veteran Ken Storms of Meridian said motorcyclists started coming to Meridian in 2000 for an overnight stay. He said POWs and MIAs are ongoing issues.
Storms said there are nearly 7,000 veterans in our area.