Beneath blue skies and warm September sunshine, the rumble of engines and the snap of American flags once again filled downtown Perryville as the 13th Annual Bikers on the Square rolled into town last Saturday.
Hundreds of spectators lined the streets in anticipation of the Parade of Honor, welcoming motorcyclists who had gathered for the annual Missouri Vietnam Wall Run, timed each year to coincide with National POW/ MIA Recognition Day.
Unlike last year’s rain-soaked ride, the weather this time was near perfect — temperatures rising into the 80s and not a cloud threatening the patriotic spectacle. Before the bikers arrived at 12:30 p.m., the crowd was treated to a high-energy motorcycle stunt show by 12 O’Clock Shop, whose riders drew cheers and applause as they performed wheelies and precision tricks.
Then, as the sound of motorcycles echoed down West St. Joseph Street, Perryville once more became the stage for one of Missouri’s most heartfelt tributes to veterans.
“The weekend went good,” said organizer Robynne Kirchner. “The weather was great and the crowd was good.”
Asked what the estimated number was of bikers who took part in this year’s Parade of Honor, Kirchner said, “I think someone counted 280 in the parade, something like that. Overall, we had a very large presence of biker guests from various states.”
Kirchner explained the reason why Bikers on the Square is held each year in Perryville.
“We love our community. We love the veterans. We love to see the brotherhood of the bikers come together.”
CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE
Following the bikers’ dramatic entrance, the focus shifted to the veterans' ceremony on the downtown stage. Local veterans from American Legion Post 133 presented the colors, Pastor Kelly Hines offered the invocation, and a stirring a cappella rendition of the National Anthem was sung by Lizzi Scott from Cape Girardeau, touching the hearts of many in the crowd.
Dr. Scott McGill, executive director of Veterans in Defense of Liberty, welcomed participants and thanked Perryville for its continued hospitality.
“This has become one of the highlights of our year,” McGill said. “Perryville has never failed to open its arms to us and make this as meaningful and perfect a program as it could be.”
McGill introduced the keynote speaker, Col. Bruce Cox, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), an F-16 Viper pilot with 11 deployments, 158 missions, and more than 560 combat hours.
Cox, a Texas native, praised the patriotism he saw in Perryville. “
This is middle America,” he said. “If you think there’s bad in the world, come to Perryville, Mo., because this is awesome.”
Cox spoke passionately about the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans, emphasizing that while their homecoming was marked by neglect and hostility, their legacy was one of resilience and victory.
“From the bottom of my heart, for all the Vietnam veterans — thank you for your service and welcome home,” he said, to appreciative applause from the crowd.
PASSING PATRIOTISM FORWARD
Cox urged those in attendance to pass love of country to younger generations, encouraging parents and grandparents to bring children to such ceremonies.
“We’ve got to pass this sense of commitment and love of country on,” he said. He also reminded veterans of their role as leaders by saluting the flag during the National Anthem and flying the Stars and Stripes at their homes.
“People need to see veterans showing that respect,” he added. “That is what right looks like.”
The program concluded in a familiar but moving way: the release of black balloons in honor of America’s prisoners of war and those still missing in action. As the balloons drifted skyward, the crowd fell silent, reflecting on the 58,000 names etched into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the countless stories of service and sacrifice behind them.
For many, the day was much more than a motorcycle rally — it was a time for people to come together and pay respect to those who served.
As Cox reminded the crowd, “It seems a little bit dark at times right now. But when I’m here in Perryville, looking out at all the Americans gathered, it doesn’t feel so bad anymore. In fact, it feels pretty doggone good.”
