Motorcycle riders tow flame to Mt. Rushmore

An eternal flame dedicated to fallen soldiers rode through Colfax Monday afternoon on its way to a final resting place.

The flame sits on a trailer that is towed by one of the members of the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest, an Oregon-based volunteer organization dedicated to honoring soldiers killed in action in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Executive Director Warren Williamson said this is the second year of doing the long ride. The flame was lit in Eugene as the group began their trip and the flame stays lighted through the ride.

Williamson and eight fellow cyclists began in Oregon and will travel through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, a total of 11 days and 2,000 miles.

Once at their final destination at Mount Rushmore, the group will extinguish the flame as an American flag is lowered in a ceremony with 2,000 guests at the amphitheater there on Aug. 3.

“This is to honor all fallen soldiers,” Williamson said.

At every stop the group makes, each honored soldier’s family received a plaque which includes a photo and a brief biography of the soldier.

The group stopped in Colfax at Schmuck Park for a lunch break before heading to Spokane for a ceremony honoring more fallen soldiers.

Williamson began the group, although he has never served in the military.

“I chose a different route and as I grew up, I wanted to give something back that’s extremely meaningful to me,” he said. “We must never forget our fallen soldiers.”

The all-volunteer group includes seven motorcycles with nine people and a support vehicle. Williamson said although the group pays their own way, they will accept donations.