Capitol Motorcyclists Remember Fallen Soldiers

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Motorcyclists from across the state filled Lansing on Sunday, honoring service members who were prisoners of war or missing in action.

It's a national initiative called Ride for Freedom. Duane O'Parka, president of Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter Five, said the intention is to bring awareness to the countless POWs and MIA soldiers across the United States.

“Our POWs and Missing in Action are number one with Rolling Thunder; that’s how we started,” O’Parka said.

Dozens of people at the State Capitol listened to speeches, stories, songs and attended the dedication of a memorial plaque to Arthur Wright, a Michigan serviceman who never returned home.

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Sawyer Hendrickson spoke at Sunday's event. She said moments like this help remind the community that families around the world want justice for those who never returned.

“It's very important, because we attract a lot of people and a broader audience, to spread the word about the importance of veteran and military awareness,” Hendrickson said.

O'Parka added that with Memorial Day weekend coming, it is more important than ever to take time to honor those we have lost or are still missing.

“We will continue to push for their return until every one of them has returned home,” O’Parka said.

“Not only to bring them home, but also to their families and loved ones; They would like to know where they are, because they no longer know where their family is. They don't know where they lost them. They don't have a fence.

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