King gives the thumb's up during his bike escort to the Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan. King came through Mandan last week as part of a mission to raise awareness of wounded Veterans and their families. Photos courtesy of Cherie Merrick

Former Marine Corporal Scot King, founder of “Remember the Wounded Ride,” made his way through Mandan last week, as part of his mission to raise awareness of wounded veterans.

During King’s visit, he interviewed other veterans about their personal experiences. He plans to share the stories he hears in two books that he will be writing. While in the Bismarck-Mandan area, King visited the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, toured the State Capitol and received a warm reception hosted by the Freewheelers Motorcycle Club, among other activities.

The Vietnam Veterans, Second Brigade and Legacy Veterans Motorcycle Clubs also allowed King to join them in the Mandan Parade on July 4. King said he was impressed and extremely appreciative of the display of patriotism that he saw from Bismarck-Mandan’s local citizens.

Scot King

King is riding his bicycle to 48 states to raise awareness of, and support for, combat wounded Veterans and their families. His plan is to visit each of the state capitals with the goal of presenting an Honor Award to a Purple Heart recipient who is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

Along the route, King is gathering state flags. On Memorial Day 2013, these flags will be gifted to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Ore., and there will be a flag raising ceremony in honor of the combat wounded Veterans across the nation.

For more information on Mr. King, visit rememberthewoundedride.com.

-Brian L. Gray

King speaks with members of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club and Marine recruiters, during a reception hosted by the Freewheelers Motorcycle Club.