Hundreds of motorcycle riders took part Thursday in the massive annual motorcade escorting Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Gainesville.
Mike Moore is the mission ride captain for the North Texas Patriot Guard.
“'It's really a lot of fun to come tell our heroes in person, you know, how much their service (means),” Moore said. “They're the greatest warriors the country has.”
Moore said he began to volunteer with the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders in 2011.
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“We are showing the honor and respect these living legends, that got the country's highest award, to show them that we do care,” Moore said. “And in the world today, they don't hear that a lot. I think that's what we need to do, is we need to let everyone know that we're very proud of them.”
Gainesville hosts an annual event recognizing the national heroes with a parade, dinner, and other special events.
This year's motorcade took place Thursday afternoon leaving the south side of the airport between a little after 4 p.m. From there the motorcade traveled about 60 miles to Gainesville along highways 183, 360, 114, and 121.
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"I'm at a loss for words," Derek Truman said. Truman is an Army veteran. This is his second year as a motorcade participant. He was one of the first six motorcycles.
"I feel pride in my country and pride in these fine people that we're here to honor today," Truman said. "It chokes me up a little bit."
On Thursday morning, Truman carefully mounted flagpoles on his motorcycle.
"Put up a new Medal of Honor flag. Put up a new American flag," Truman said. "I go through a lot of flags. I replace them quicker than you would at home (because) they take a pretty good beating blowing down the highway."
While many of the riders are veterans, there are civilians who also participate in the motorcade.
"I've been part of the North Texas Patriot Guard for two years here in Texas, and I'm also a trumpeter," Edwards said. "So, I've played many veterans funerals all across the country."
Edwards is a retired firefighter from North Carolina.
"I'm honored and privileged to stand among America's greats," Edwards said. "I see a lot of patriotism right now and a lot of love for our country."
Historically, some parts of the highways and access points along Interstate 35W and Interstate 35E have been temporarily closed as agencies work to get the motorcade on the highway and headed toward Cooke County.
In Southlake, the Grapevine and Southlake Fire Departments helped close the turnaround bridge on Carroll Avenue for spectators to gather.
Firefighters, veterans, local group homes, and families held posters and flags as the motorcade drove through.
"The folks on the side of the road and on the overpasses, they make the difference. That's what makes this an event," Moore said. "(The honorees) see that as they go by, and they feel the love. They know that North Texas is proud of them and supports them."
Days ahead, authorities warned citizens traveling along the motorcade route of traffic delays.
"We apologize to the traveling public that that is held up for a while," Moore said. "But, usually once they find out what it's about, they forgive us. But we do cause a little traffic mess and rush hour in the metroplex."
The Medal of Honor recipients are often joined by hundreds of motorcycle riders, including the Patriot Guard Riders and members of law enforcement, many of whom began lining up near Amon Carter Boulevard and Texas 183 hours before the motorcade begins.
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration in the United States and is the only one worn around the neck. It is awarded for valor in action against an enemy by the president, in the name of Congress, and has only been bestowed upon more than 3,500 people.
The National Medal of Honor Museum is currently under construction in Arlington, in the Entertainment District near the stadiums. The museum, which is dedicated to sharing the stories of the service members who received the honor, is expected to open in late 2024.
