The roar of 4-stroke engines was barely audible over the din of pouring rain.

Weather didn’t deter the riders or their patriotic supporters as nearly 500 motorcyclists made their way across the Interstate 20 bridge over the Mississippi River enroute to Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day.

The southern leg of a three-pronged run to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial passed through the city amid a heavy rain and lighter than usual turnout.

“I’m going to be out at the welcome center rain or shine,” veteran Chandler Bonelli said.

Roger Dunn a veteran of the National Guard was along the route to support the riders.

Dunn spent seven years in the Army National Guard, two years active duty and the other five inactive duty. “I was still active in case of a hurricane or something like that,” he said.

His most fulfilling part of serving the military was helping the people. Dunn talks about the time he spent nine days in Jackson after a flood just protecting homes. “We guarded homes and kept people from going into other people’s houses and protecting the people.”

Dunn said it makes him feel good to see people come out and support veterans. He donates to the Wounded Warriors foundation every month and does what he can to help.

This was his second time at the rally. “God bless America,” he said.

The weather kept Warren Robinson from riding, but not from showing his support.

Robinson served in U.S. Air Force for 20 1/2 years and retired a Senior Master Sargent. His favorite part of being in the military was “the camaraderie of the troops”

He enjoys participating in rallies like these as a veteran and been apart of other events like the Dixie Thunder Run.

“You come to events like this and get chill bumps,” Robinson said. “These guys have dedication to patriotism. They have a mission and want to fulfill it.”

The run honors the memory of those killed in action, prisoners of war and those veterans listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. The trip is divided into three routes, and takes 10 days to cross the country.

The group traveling through Vicksburg Monday will stop in Jackson at the Harley-Davidson dealership for the Trail of Honor, an event that includes living history demonstrations from every American war — from the French and Indian War to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq — active military displays and the traveling Vietnam Wall.