The rumble of hundreds of motorcycles fills the air as the procession moves through another small Missouri town. Along the streets, families gather, children wave American flags, and police officers and firefighters help lead the way.
For Fredericktown native Ken Taylor, it is a sight that never loses its meaning.
Ken helps lead the Missouri Vietnam Wall Run, an annual ride dedicated to honoring the men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict and showing appreciation for the veterans who served. Now in its eighth year, the event has become far more than a motorcycle ride. It is a moving reminder of sacrifice, patriotism and the importance of giving veterans the welcome home many never received.
For Ken, the mission is personal. His father served in Vietnam, as did several of his uncles. He grew up understanding that the sacrifices made by military members and their families should never be taken for granted.
The idea for the ride began after Ken and his wife traveled to Washington, D.C., with the Liberty Riders to visit the nation's monuments, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. After returning home, they learned from Ken's mother-in-law that someone was building a Vietnam wall in Perryville, Missouri.
Ken shared the news with Terry Wiley, who was commander of the Liberty Riders at the time. Terry went on to establish the Missouri Vietnam Wall Run, creating an opportunity for riders and communities across the region to come together and honor those who served.
After Terry passed away in 2019, Ken took on the responsibility of continuing the ride and preserving its purpose.
During the event's second year, then-Governor Mike Parson issued a proclamation recognizing it as the Missouri Vietnam Wall Ride of Remembrance. The recognition helped establish the ride's identity and reinforced its mission: remembering those who gave their lives and honoring the veterans who returned home.
“Those guys never got a welcome home, so it's nice to give them respect and honor,” Ken said.
The ride begins Friday morning in Springfield. From there, the procession travels along Highways 60 and 34, passing through communities including Piedmont and Fredericktown before reaching Perryville. Riders visit the Vietnam Wall before returning to Fredericktown on Saturday for a gathering at Court Square.
What begins as a group of motorcycles in Springfield grows with every mile. This year, approximately 100 motorcycles started in Springfield. By the time the procession reached Perryville, that number had grown to around 200, with an estimated 300 to 400 motorcycles departing Fredericktown on Saturday.
But for Ken, the number of motorcycles isn't what makes the event unforgettable.
It's the people.
Schools along the route dismiss students so they can stand outside and wave American flags. Families line the roads, and local police and fire departments help welcome the riders into town. Communities that might otherwise experience an ordinary afternoon become part of something much larger.
Ken says one of the most emotional moments comes when the riders enter a new town and see the streets filled with people waving flags.
“It gives you chills and goosebumps,” he said.
Vietnam veterans riding in the procession often take their place near the front. Ken has watched some become emotional when they see the crowds gathered to honor them. For veterans who did not receive that recognition when they returned home, the welcome carries a special significance.
Those moments also give Ken hope for the future. Seeing children, families and entire communities come together reminds him that the sacrifices of veterans are not forgotten—and that future generations can continue to learn the importance of honoring those who served.
“It shows that we as people still honor our soldiers that gave all,” he said.
The ride also creates a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. Riders gather with a shared purpose, connected by their love of motorcycles and their desire to show respect. Although the event is led by motorcyclists, community members are welcome to follow the procession in their own vehicles.
“We welcome anybody that wants to follow along,” Ken said. “The more the merrier.”
The Liberty Riders depend on sponsors, donations, volunteers and fundraising efforts to keep the event going. Every contribution helps carry the tradition forward and ensures that the purpose behind the ride remains clear.
The Missouri Vietnam Wall Run offers a powerful reminder that gratitude is more than a feeling. It can be expressed through action, remembrance and the willingness to stand alongside those who have served.
For Ken, organizing the event is an opportunity to honor veterans while celebrating the country they served.
And as the motorcycles roll through Fredericktown and American flags wave overhead, the message is unmistakable.
The ride is not simply about the miles traveled or the number of motorcycles involved. It is about remembering the fallen, recognizing the sacrifices of veterans and making sure those who served know their communities are grateful.
For Ken, it all comes back to a simple message he hopes every veteran hears—not just during the ride, but every day:
“Thank you for your service.”
“We as Americans should be thankful for our military and what they are willing to lose,” he said.