Tradition continues as motorcycles stop at Bedford County elementary school

Part of the 29th annual Run for the Wall

MONTVALE, Va. – A group of motorcyclists is in Lynchburg as part of the 29th annual Run for the Wall.

It's an annual ride to Washington, D.C. in an effort to promote healing among veterans and honor those killed in combat and those still missing in action.

The veterans received an added bonus along the way Thursday thanks to a lunch with students that's now become a tradition.

Riders spent quality time with Montvale Elementary School students.

Each year, the kids give the veterans a welcome many didn't get when they returned home from war.

It's something the students and veterans look forward to every year, and it's a chance for both sides to develop lasting friendships.

"It's absolutely amazing to see the little guys out there with flags and waving and then to be in the classroom with these kids and get cards. It's just touching, really touching," said Mark Schere, a first-time rider.

"That's what it's all about. We're really here to honor them and make their trip easier. We just really like to ease their ride and help them in their journey," said Principal Krista Moore.

After lunch, the riders visited the National D-Day Memorial and then continued on to Harley-Davidson in Lynchburg where they'll rest for the night.

They'll meet up with hundreds of other veterans this weekend in Washington, D.C.