NEEDLES, California–The roar of motorcycles will sound again in the Tri-state as hundreds of riders will converge on Needles Wednesday as part of the annual Run for the Wall celebration.

Riders will begin in Ontario, California early Wednesday morning and will stop in the little Colorado River desert town as part of their 10-day ride across the nation. The annual ride is held to honor all the Prisoners of War, those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars and to support our military personnel all over the world.

The Needles Chamber of Commerce said they are expecting the riders to make their appearance around 1:45 p.m. in Needles. Residents are encouraged to line North K and Front Street as the riders begin arriving Wednesday afternoon to show their appreciation. A lunch will be served to the riders at Santa Fe Park before they depart later that day and head for Washington, D.C. They are expected to travel along Interstate 40 until they reach North Carolina on May 24. They are expected to arrive in the nation’s capital on May 25.

A posthumous award will be given to the family of local resident, and Veteran, Stanley Jump.

The Run for the Wall began in 1989 when Vietnam Veterans, James Gregory and Bill Evans traveled across the heartland of America on motorcycles talking to local radio, TV and newspapers about the thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all wars. The need for this awareness continues today and is recognized every May.