Each May since 1989, thousands of motorcyclists have braved temperatures ranging from 30 to 100 degrees on a 3,000-mile, 10-day cross-country journey to honor U.S. veterans.

The mission of the AMA-chartered Run For The Wall is to promote healing among veterans, their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all prisoners of war and those missing in action, to honor the memories of those killed in action and to support U.S. military personnel around the world.

There also is the RFTW Benevolence Fund, which provides scholarship funding to organizations that support veterans and the Run for the Wall mission.

During the past five years, the ride—which starts in Southern California and ends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.—has drawn an average of more than 1,500 riders.

“In 2018, we expect 1,800 to 2,000 participants,” said Kirk Olson, a member of the RFTW board of directors.

The run is highly coordinated, including scheduled fuel stops, use of road guards and chase trucks and participation by chaplains. Residents of towns along the route typically line the streets, carrying flags, signs and banners saluting the riders.

“On the journey, food and fuel stops are typically donated by the local towns, churches, American Legion Posts and VFWs in the various communities that we pass through,” Olson said.

Stops on the route include Veterans Administration hospitals, schools and national memorials.

Once in Washington, many participants join the annual Rolling Thunder event. And a select group gets to ride into Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen veterans and place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Run For The Wall was started by James Gregory and Bill Evans, two Vietnam veterans who traveled across the heartland of America on motorcycles. They talked to local radio, TV and newspapers about the thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all U.S. wars.

“The need for this awareness continues today and we carry on this tradition every May,” said Vietnam veteran Harlan Olson, Kirk’s father and a RFTW participant.

The first ride drew 115 people, most of whom turned back at Las Vegas, Kirk Olson said. Only 15 made it to Washington.

RFTW includes three routes—Central, Midway and Southern. Any motorcyclist may participate.

“We ride in the ‘Missing Man’ formation at the front,” Harlan Olson said. “We keep tight formations to keep cars from getting between and to keep our footprint small.

“You have to be able to maintain your focus for 10 days,” he explained.

This year’s Run For The Wall is May 16-25.

For more information, visit www.rftw.us.