Posted on Mon, Nov. 09, 2009

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12-mile motorcycle ride pays tribute to veterans

BY BECCY TANNER

The Wichita Eagle

Shortly before the veterans memorial motorcycle ride began Sunday, Dillman Brendle talked about why he wanted to participate.

"It's about time that we honor the people who defend this nation," the Patriot Guard member said. "I'm a Vietnam veteran, and outside my immediate family and my wife's family, there was a long time when no one knew I was a veteran. I didn't come out and tell people I was a veteran."

But on Sunday, Brendle climbed aboard his Harley-Davidson and was one of several hundred bikers who rode from Park City to downtown Wichita in a Veterans Memorial Ride.

The 12-mile ride was sponsored by Alefs Harley-Davidson of Wichita. Participants included Sedgwick County and McConnell Air Force Base emergency vehicles. It was also followed by members of Wichita's American legion Riders Post 401 and the Prairie Thunder Harley Owners Group Chapter.

The 180 riders carried the flags of the Armed Services, POW/MIAs, the United States and each of the 50 states. "Harley-Davidson stands for freedom and the American dream," said Milt Mounts, marketing director for Alefs Harley-Davidson. "Without the bravery and sacrifice of our past war veterans and current service personnel, we wouldn't have the freedom we enjoy today."

The motorcycle route began in Park City and traveled south on Broadway into downtown Wichita and ended at Veterans Memorial Park, where several flags were presented to veterans in a short ceremony.

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