Bikers rev up for a ride to remember veterans

OFF THE WIRE
By Wendi Redman
MYRTLE BEACH -- Paying tribute to our nation's heroes isn't just happening on Veterans Day. Bikers from across South Carolina will come to Myrtle Beach Saturday, to show their support for our troops and in particular our Vietnam veterans.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam.

Bruce Shipley served nearly five tours in Vietnam.

For many, it's a time that's difficult to talk about.

“You look back on it now, and it's very sad, of the troops that died there and it hurts," said Shipley, Vietnam War veteran.

The names of the soldiers who gave their lives in Vietnam are on a wall at “Heroes Hall” at Ocean Dunes in Myrtle Beach.

Seeing the names is too much for Shipley, who lost men in the war, and he says he can’t bear to read the names of the fallen.

Melinda Woodhurst also knows how tough war is.

"I know first hand the sacrifices they make,” said Melinda Woodhurst, retired army colonel. “I know how hard it is to put your duty first, and put your family second, to put your life second."

That's why she's putting Vietnam veterans first during the inaugural "Ride to Remember" event Saturday.

"If they have a perception in their heart that that was an unpopular war or if it was something less than positive, something at all unpleasant, than I want to do my part this year, to give them their parade," said Woodhurst.

Woodhurst says it's a special tribute and she hopes the community comes out to show their support.

"Often we get so busy, we forget birthdays, we forget special occasions, but we can never forget the men and women who consciously wake up every single day ready to die, so that the men and women and families that they leave behind are free," said Woodhurst.

“Ride to Remember” honors all veterans but is a special tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War.

Bikers will leave from the Myrtle Beach Mall November 13, 2010 at 10:30am. Registration starts at 9:30am.

Participants will bike to the Florence Civic Center and finish at Ocean Dunes, in Myrtle Beach.