More than 200 bikes roll in for wreath ceremonies

Tammy Helm/Tribune photo Most of the more than 200 motorcycles that arrived in Fort Scott Sunday for two wreath laying ceremonies are parked at the Fort Scott National Historic Site campsite as bikers make their way to lunch following the ceremony at the fort.

More than 200 motorcycles rumbled into Fort Scott Sunday to remember those who have died while serving their country and also to honor all veterans.

KC Thunder Ride was organized seven years ago with 55 bikes, Pat Quinn, organizer said.

During the years, the group has laid wreaths at the All Veterans Memorial in Topeka, the WWI Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., Vietnam Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., War Mother Memorial at Haskell University in Lawrence; Leavenworth National Cemetery and Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo.

This year, the riders placed wreaths at two locations: the Fort Scott National Cemetery and the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

From Kansas City, the bikers traveled south on Kansas Highway 7, crossed over on Kansas Highway 52 and rode into Fort Scott on U.S. Highway 69. The first wreath ceremony was held at the cemetery, then bikers made their way back through town, entering the fort from Scott Avenue.

The bikes were parked at the fort's campsite and the ceremony was held on the fort parade ground. Fort Scott National Historic Site Historian Bill Fischer welcomed the group, then spoke of the fort's history and also provided statistics about those who gave their lives for their country.

Lelia Brownfield from the American Legion Riders Chapter 21 of Independence, Mo., carried the wreath to the fort's flag pole.

Following the ceremony, bikers had lunch at the fort's campsite.

Laying wreaths isn't the group's only cause, Quinn said.

"We also educate the public about veterans' causes," he said.

During its first year, the group raised $1,200. This year the number of bikes has increased to more than 200 and the riders have raised $20,000. During the past seven years, Quinn said riders have raised about $70,000.

A portion of that money supports veterans on the national level through the Wounded Warrior project. Locally, Quinn said the group provides financial support for the Honor Flight program, Volunteer Services Department at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., and St. Michael's Veteran Center in Kansas City, Mo., which provides apartments for veterans who were formerly homeless.