Motorcycles Fill Rainelle Streets for Veterans Reunion - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Motorcycles Fill Rainelle Streets for Veterans Reunion

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By Samantha Cahill, Greenbrier County Bureau Reporter - email

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RAINELLE -

The roaring sound of motorcycles was heard all through Rainelle Thursday as more than 700 motorcycles drove in for the 8th annual L. Z. West Virginia Veterans Reunion, which is in conjunction with the run for the wall.

The Rainelle Fire Department ushered veterans and veteran supporters as they lined the streets to welcome bikers from as far away as California.

The reunion honors fallen heroes, prisoners of war and those who are missing in action.

A reception was held at Rainelle Elementary School following the riders' arrival to town.

Veteran Carter Kirk of Charleston, South Carolina said the ride through Rainelle honors the heroes who fight for freedom.

"Americans for generations have supported the Constitution of the United States of America and nothing has changed. We want to show that by our strength in numbers and comradery," said Kirk.

A traveling Vietnam War wall, known as "Bringing Home the Wall" is on display in Rainelle with all 58,000 names from the Vietnam War.

The "Quilt of Tears" is also on display through the Agent Orange Victims and Widows Support Network.

A bulk of the riders passing through Rainelle are on their way to D.C. for the 25th year of Rolling Thunder.

Around 75 riders will stay in Rainelle for the weekend's events, which include a candlelight service, a parade, a flag presentation, and a community worship service.