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Veterans effort to stop here May 19

From Staff Reports

MICHIGAN CITY - A convoy of motorcyclists will travel into Michigan City at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, on its annual pilgrimage from Sacramento, Calif., to Washington, D.C., as part of the National Veterans Awareness Ride.

The group, composed of military veterans and non-veteran supporters, involves a 10-day journey across the United States to bring awareness and recognition to all veterans. Of equal importance are men and women who are unaccounted for, either as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action, and those who have been Killed in Action.

The riders stop at VA hospitals, nursing homes, veteran-care facilities and schools, as well as placing memorials along the route to honor deceased veterans.

The ride reaches Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day weekend. The group's primary objective then is to participate in the annual Rolling Thunder Ride through downtown.

The ride, itself, is open to anyone who wants to participate. More information is at www.nvar.us.

The ride will stop in Michigan City on May 19, arriving at St. Joseph Young Men's Society, which will provide the riders with a dinner. The public is invited.

On Wednesday, May 20, the ride will leave Michigan City from Disabled American Veterans Danny Bruce Chapter 23, 2301 Ohio St. A rider's breakfast is at 6 a.m., with a ceremony at 7 a.m. The ride will leave at 8 a.m.

Anyone wanting to join the ride to the State Veterans Home in West Lafayette, Ind., is welcome.

The public is invited to show support along Franklin Street both days and gather outside the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau in the Marquette Mall parking lot to cheer the bikers as they drive by.