By Betty Drybread
Annually, on Saturday of the weekend before Memorial Day, the “Run for the Wall” passes through Raton, N.M. This year it was May 16.
Tim, Natalie and all the Independent Bike Riders do a great job welcoming the motorcyclists.
Funds are raised throughout the year by the Independent Riders of Raton to sponsor the ride as it comes through Raton, a patriotic town where streets are lined with people saluting and waving flags as the well-wishers wait with anticipation for the announcement that the motorcycle cavalcade, riding two abreast with US, MIA and Unit flags waving proudly, is approaching.
There can suddenly be heard a call, “Here they come!” But already the roar of the engines can be heard as they leave Interstate 25 at the 451 exit turning west on Clayton Road to approach the Conoco station, where the lines are directed to the gas pumps and each motorcycle is filled with gas, compliments of the IRR.
As they roll in shouts of thanks can be heard, hands are shaken and even an occasional hug is seen. Once the tanks are filled they line up on Clayton, attend a short ceremony in honor of the Veterans, and help themselves to the snacks, cold water and juice also provided by the IRR.
It is such an awesome sight to see as so many motorcyclists show their respect for those who have died, are MIA, who have served or are still serving in the military. Tears well up in one’s eyes and a sense of fierce pride beats within the heart as we are reminded again of the terrible price that was paid by those who served for the freedom we have.
The run starts in California and ends in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day at the Viet Nam War Memorial where homage is paid to fallen comrades and those who fought side by side are reunited.
In my mind I see small streams coming from north and south as they come together into a larger river on Interstate 40. Road guards lead the way and there are platoon commanders responsible for their section of the cavalcade.
At the Arizona/New Mexico border they are met by members of the New Mexico State Police Motorcycle Unit who ride in advance, and this year also followed behind, showing their honor and support for the “Run for the Wall” and what it represents.
They exit I-25 to turn north to Taos and then on to Angel Fire, N.M. to stop at the Viet Nam War Memorial there and then journey on down U.S. Highway 64 through Cimarron to once again connect with I-25. I could not even begin to guess the numbers that rode through Raton but was informed that there was somewhere in the neighborhood of 350. What an honor to be a part of it all.
After the ceremony they proceeded on down Clayton, turning right onto South Second Street and heading north out of town into Colorado as they journey toward Interstate 70, where they join an even larger swelling river numbering many thousands by the time they reach Washington.
A special thanks to Monte Apodoca and all those who work with him to bring this leg of the event through New Mexico and also to the Independent Riders of Raton that make the stop in Raton a special event for the riders.
Tourist Information Center at the corner of Clayton and South 2nd
Tom Ferguson of the Christian Motorcycle Association and Sgt. Carl Patty of the NM National Guard awaiting motorcyclists in order to give them gas.
Raton Police Officer Pat Salazar and Tim Trujillo President of Independent Riders of Raton
Early arrivals waiting for the main body of riders enjoying snacks and drinks provided by Independent Riders
Kandi Barks who puts the Ceremony together pictured with Raton Mayor Apache
Natalie Trujillo and Monte Apodaca, Organizer for New Mexico RTW
First arrivals are the Road Guard
HERE THEY COME!!
Lining up for gas
The dispensing of gas is very organized
Still coming followed by escort vehicles
End of the line
New Mexico State Police Motorcycle Unit....they were in the front after the Road Guards
New Mexico State Police Motorcycle Unit at rear of calvacade
Mrs. Rupert's After School Program taking part in ceremony. Flag was folded after song and then presented to a Veteran to be taken to Washington DC
Local NMSP Martinez and three of the Motorcycle Unit pictured with fellow New Mexico State Policeman and National Guardsman Sgt. Carl Patty
Continuing on down Second Street
Leaving Raton
INDEPENDENT RIDERS OF RATON.....THANKS!!!!