MT. VERNON – One mission, three routes. The mission of Run for the Wall is to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.
The Central Route of Run for the Wall (RFTW) will once again be stopping in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to fuel and have lunch on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This marks the 35th Annual Ride, and more than 300 motorcycles are expected to arrive in Mt. Vernon via Route 15 at approximately 10:45 a.m., where riders will fuel their bikes at Hucks, located at 34th & Broadway.
From there, the group will stage in the Rural King parking lot and parade to Mt. Vernon Outland Airport, where a dedicated committee will provide a fried chicken lunch and other amenities for the riders. A flag ceremony will be conducted by the Mt. Vernon American Legion, and Miranda Willmore will sing the National Anthem.
“So many people and groups come together to make this a great stop for the riders,” commented Mt. Vernon Tourism Director, Angela Schrum. “Dave Parkhill continues to play a vital role in the planning process alongside a dedicated committee. Mt. Vernon Airport remains an impeccable host, and our emergency services are crucial in ensuring the riders’ safe passage through Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County. It is a genuine team effort and an honor to be a part of.”
Mt. Vernon is the only Illinois stop for RFTW each year. Local volunteers raise funds to provide a fried chicken lunch and help cover fuel expenses for the riders.
“It takes a lot of planning and organization to pull off the gas stop and lunch in the short time they are here each year,” added Dave Parkhill. “But it is an honor to show appreciation to the Run for the Wall riders each year.”
Donations are still being accepted toward fuel costs and can be dropped off at Mt. Vernon Tourism, 123 S. 10th Street, Suite 503, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Checks should be made to Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. with RFTW in the memo line.
Participants in Run for the Wall can sign up to join the route at any point between California and Washington, D.C. Many riders complete the full cross-country journey, while others participate in select segments. After converging in D.C., riders are free to return home on any route they choose.
The pack will depart from Mt. Vernon Outland Airport around 12:50 p.m., traveling east on Route 15 to Wayne City, where they will rejoin I-64 and continue their journey toward Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day.
Community members are encouraged to line Broadway from 10:50 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. (approximate) to wave flags and show support for the riders who say, “We ride for those who can’t.”
Traffic Notice: Travelers in Mt. Vernon on May 20, 2025, should expect delays. Authorities recommend using Richview Road or Veteran’s Memorial Drive as alternate routes between 10:50 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
More information about the full route and mission of Run for the Wall can be found at https://rftw.us/central-route-hub/.
