Wall motors through Colusa

To dozens of Vietnam veterans who helped escort the Vietnam Traveling Tribute Wall to Colusa on Tuesday, the names engraved on the precious cargo were not all strangers.

"Not all of my friends came home," said Dean Lamp, captain of the Lords Knight Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, who served in the Vietnam War.

The former Navy gunner's mate was one of many veterans, as well as civilians, from across the state that felt a patriotic duty to see the exhibit make its way to its final destination.

Some had joined in the escort in Sacramento as the semi-truck carrying the exhibit made its way up Interstate 5 to Williams and then on to the Indian Community Center.

Others from Northern California and Colusa County joined the group at Williams.

Steve Corbin knew several men listed on the wall who gave their lives defending freedom. There's one name he cherishes — that of Gary Bartmaus, a childhood friend who died after stepping on a landmine.

"He died one day after he re-enlisted," said Corbin, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968.

Corbin, a new member of the Patriot Guard, and wife Zenaida, of Williams, were among the hundreds of motorcycle riders that roared through the street-lined communities of Williams and Colusa.

Motorcycle groups participating in the escort included the Iron Warriors, Chico Harley Owners, Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club and POW-MIA Riders — with the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club leading the way.

"It's a privilege to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice," said the Rev. Ken Edwards, a member of Freedom Cruisers and pastor of the New Life Christian Church of Williams. "This is exciting."

Since 1998, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute has traversed the nation, honoring the men and women who gave their lives for a country that believes liberty requires constant vigilance and sacrifice. On its panels are inscribed the names of all 58,621 men and women who died in the Vietnam War, as well as those missing in action.

The tribute, which stands over 8 feet tall at its apex and is over 370 feet long, opens to visitors at 2 p.m. Thursday with a ceremony featuring music, speeches by veterans, a 21-gun salute, local and state dignitaries and a military flyover.

Also exhibited will be the Cost of Freedom display, which consists of nine large memorials — represented in gold dog tags under glass — to remember and honor all who died in service since Vietnam, including the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

As the traveling tribute made it's way from Williams to Highway 20 and then through Colusa, many stood along the highway and streets to see the procession.

"I'm here to support not only our veterans but our present-day soldiers," said Ladybug Doherty, whose grandson, 1st Lt. Michael Forster, is a Marine Cobra pilot stationed near Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Waving flags and singing patriotic songs at the staging area in Williams, Barbara Mayberry's third-grade students said the roar of the motorcycles was one of the most exciting things they have ever witnessed.

"We learned in school that veterans fought in the war and that they fight for our freedom," said Jessica Martinez, 9.

The class has been practicing all week for their patriotic performance Saturday at the Sacramento Valley Museum.

"I never sang in front of a big audience," said Nick Azevedo, who will perform the Star-spangled Banner solo. "I'm a little nervous."

Classmate Mauricio Peña said he's looking forward to singing during the veterans ceremony.

"I'm not a bit nervous," he said.

The event in Williams is one of three scheduled on Saturday to wrap up veterans celebrations in Colusa County. Events in Williams, Colusa and Arbuckle get underway at 10 a.m.

Contact Susan Meeker at 488-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.