Memorial Motorcycle Ride kicks off honoring prisoners of war, missing in action
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The annual Prisoner of War, Missing in Action Memorial Motorcycle Ride roared through northern Santa Barbara County Thursday afternoon to honor those lost at war.
"We are putting together this ride to commemorate the POW and MIA's along with the base community ... so we’re going to escorts the POW MIA flag from here at the Radisson in Santa Maria to the Vandenberg visitors Center," said President Pernell Rush of the Orcutt 534 Riders.
Dozens of motorcycle riders say they keep coming back to ride as a way to show they still care.
"It’s an honor to do anything for the POW. You know prisoners of war and prisoners that are missing ... and we still haven’t received them all back ... and it’s a great honor to carry the flag for them," said veteran Peter Cruz of the U.S. Army.
All the riders participating throughout the county are veterans from the various branches of military service.
The veterans say they’re also riding to send a message to everyone.
“My hope today is to make an impression on the people that are watching it and let them know that we still care about our POWs MIA's,” said Cruz.
The group will ride to Vandenberg Airforce Base to continue with the ceremonies.
