Richmond, VA - Wreaths Across America, Bikers roar into town to honor veterans

OFF THE WIRE
BY: WESLEY P. HESTER
Source: timesdispatch.comIf you were run off the road yesterday by what appeared to be a motorcycle gang, take comfort in knowing that it was for a good cause.
Wreaths Across America roared into town Saturday morning, with a convoy of more than 100 motorcyclists winding serpentlike through the streets of Richmond on their way to Richmond National Cemetery.
There, a sea of black leather massed against a backdrop of white headstones and a gray sky for a short ceremony.
Nearly 1,300 wreaths were placed on the markers to remember the fallen soldiers they represent.
"It's inspirational," said Ryland Y. Bailey, who served as a Marine corporal during World War II and an Air Force first lieutenant during the Korean War.
"I'm just very grateful that people are concerned enough to come out to an event like this, and especially to bring their children," said Bailey. "We live in a great nation."
The crowd of a couple hundred was chiefly composed of members of various veterans' organizations, though dozens of others attended the service, which included bagpipe music, vocal selections and a rifle salute.
R.J. "Rocky" Angone, a Vietnam veteran and minister who has organized the Richmond National Cemetery event for the past four years, said it was about remembrance and respect.
"I came home in '69, and most of us were disrespected and had a really tough time. I'm just honored to be part of an organization that truly honors veterans," he said.
"Part of what we're trying to do is teach these kids the value of freedom and what it means to be free and the cost of freedom," Angone added, looking out over the 10 acres of headstones. "This is the price of freedom."
Across the country at other state and national cemeteries, similar Wreaths Across America ceremonies were under way.
The nonprofit group, which places more than 100,000 wreaths each December, is an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project to promote veterans' remembrance.
Angone said his event has grown in each of its four years at the more than 5,000-grave cemetery.
"Our goal is to put a wreath on every stone," he said.

whester@timesdispatch.com
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