Nebraska motorcyclists head to escort Traveling Vietnam Memorial, tracing the Medal of Honor Highway

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KTIV) - A group of Nebraska motorcyclists with the Nebraska American Legion Riders is heading out on a special trip to escort the Traveling Vietnam Wall & Cost of Freedom Tribute. But first they have to travel across the state, tracing Highway 20, Nebraska's Medal of Honor Highway, from South Sioux City toward Crawford, Nebraska. The group stopped Monday, Sept. 7, in South Sioux City at Siouxland Freedom Park before continuing toward Valentine. The seven riders are from York, Randolph, Grand Island and Omaha. They plan to pick up additional riders along the route, including in Valentine and Chadron, where they will meet a larger group of riders before continuing to Crawford. Cars are also welcome to join the escort, not just motorcycles. The stop lasted about 30 minutes during a 300-mile journey. Dan Willets, director of Chapter 53, American Legion Riders of Grand Island, organized the ride. 'As long as we're traveling out there, why not come up and start here in South Sioux City and ride Highway 20 across state Nebraska, which is the Medal of Honor Highway, as just a little extra something to commemorate the event and to pay respects,' Willets said. Riders can join the escort anywhere along the route between South Sioux City and Crawford. Among the riders is Jim, a Vietnam veteran, who may look for the names of those he served with once the group reaches the wall in Crawford. 'It's just a way to say thanks. It's just a way to say, you know, we appreciate your sacrifice. We appreciate what you did. We appreciate the sacrifice of those names on the wall for giving the ultimate price, paying the ultimate price, in not just defense of our country, but in defense of other people around the world that they selflessly give to take part in that,' Willets said. Escorting the wall into town is a tradition that goes back years wherever the memorial travels. Riders, first responders and law enforcement typically form a procession to mark its arrival. Organizers expect hundreds more riders to join the group by the time it reaches Crawford. The memorial will be in Crawford from Sept. 9 through Sept. 12 and will include displays for World War II, Korea and Desert Storm/Desert Shield veterans. Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland's News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.