ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The veterans’ motorcycling organization Run For The Wall has a planned stop in Belmont County this Memorial Day weekend.

The riders will be on a multiple-day journey from California to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and complete their route at the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois.

Run For The Wall is the largest and longest organized cross-country motorcycle run of its kind.

They recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by veterans who have served our nation. It was founded in 1989 by two Vietnam veterans that traveled across America on motorcycles, educating about the thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from war and honoring the memory of those killed in action.

Run For The Wall riders include veterans and active military personnel as well as friends, family and other supporters. Their goal is to promote healing for all veterans to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action, to honor the memory of those Killed in Action from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.

Belmont County residents and visitors are invited to welcome the motorcyclists as they are escorted off Interstate 70 at exit 218 by the Ohio Valley Mall. Their expected arrival time is approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. Residents and businesses along U.S. 40 and Main Street in St. Clairsville are encouraged to add flags and patriotic dÈcor to help show our patriotism and welcome them into Belmont County.

The Belmont County Tourism Council together with the American Legion Post 159 in St. Clairsville, North Star Polaris, Indian Dealership in St. Clairsville, and the Tri State Military Veterans Museum in Belmont are assisting with activities for the riders during their time in Belmont County.

“Belmont County is excited to once again welcome Run For The Wall riders this Memorial Day weekend,” said Jackee Pugh, executive director, Belmont County Tourism Council. “Over 300 motorcyclists from all over the U.S. will be riding into Belmont County, and we are honored to host them and help bring awareness to their cause and the sacrifice veterans have given for our freedom.”

The community is invited to attend a Memorial Day Ceremony for the riders before they depart at 7;30 a.m. Monday, May 29, in front of the Belmont County Courthouse. The program will be led by the American Legion Post 159 and feature music from the St. Clairsville High School Band, a firing salute, and comments from Belmont County native, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Sabatino.

Sabatino is a strategist in the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Executive Action Group, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. He advises the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff on strategic issues, authors policy proposals, integrates strategic engagement planning, and coordinates critical communication across the Secretariat, Air Staff and Space Staff to achieve the Department of the Air Force’s institutional objectives.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year. It is so great to see our community come together to support a cause,” Pugh said. “I wish safe travels to all who are riding in Run For The Wall 2023. And I want to encourage all residents to come out this Memorial Day weekend to show your support and give thanks to the military members that gave so much for us all.’

For more information about the Run for the Wall, visit rftw.org.

For more information about the Memorial Day ceremony or other events in Belmont County, visit visitbelmontcounty.com or contact the Belmont County Tourism Council at 740-695-4359.