Hundreds Of Local Bikers Escort Moving Wall

A sight, and a sound, you won't soon forget. Over 200 motorcycle riders -- some flying American and POW flags on their bikes--taking part in the escort of the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall, a traveling tribute to the fallen that has been in tour the past 26 years, making its way through Livingston County Thursday. Brian Purdy of Fowlerville and his Harley three-wheeler will be part of the motorcycle procession, going from Brighton  through Pinckney into Hamburg.

"It's being patriotic....I was in the service--Vietnam from '70 to'72--so I know where everyone is coming from," he said. Purdy also took par tin similar escorts of servicemen returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. "I do what I can...when they call saying 'We need this' or 'We need that' I do it.

Joanne Hardesty of the Hero Organization is behind the ride, with 200 bikers taking part. She says they come from all over with their motorcycles  ready to roll. "This is my first ride and I can tell you I am overcome with emotion," she said. "It's the only way to describe it."

Gary Estermeyer of Redford is also riding in today's escort. He was part of another Moving Wall escort in Flint. "It's always an honor to be part of the Moving Wall," Estermeyer said. "I'm a Vietnam Veteran myself and you got to pay your respects...and this is how we do it, ride for those who can't and remember those who can't be here."

The Moving Wall--a half-size replica of the one in Washington D.C.-- will be on display
at Bennett Park in Hamburg all this weekend.

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