• Spectators encouraged to line highway and wave flags

A motorcycle escort will help bring The Wall That Heals into Star Valley on Tuesday, July 7, in a public show of support for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica set to open later that week in Afton.

Jay Conley, chairperson for Wyoming Welcomes The Wall That Heals and commander of Star Valley VFW Post 4797, said riders will gather at the Alpine Broulim’s beginning at 10 a.m. The trailer is expected to arrive around noon, followed by a safety briefing at 2:15 p.m. and a 2:30 p.m. departure.

RELATED: RADIO INTERVIEW WITH JAY CONLEY AND BRETT STOREY – 

The escort will travel parade-style through the Valley, starting in Alpine and going through Star Valley Ranch, Thayne, and Afton, with law enforcement helping manage the route for safety. Conley shared, “Everybody needs to join in at Alpine for safety reasons. We would love to pick people up across the way, but law enforcement’s gonna close it in from the beginning to the end.”

“We’re really looking for a good turnout here,” he said. “But we need more sign-ups.”

Organizers expect hundreds of participants, including motorcyclists, military vehicles, and law enforcement vehicles. They also plan a missing-man formation flyover over the Elkhorn Arch in Afton with T-6 Texans and local pilots, adding a ceremonial element to the route.

Conley said the escort is meant to give the valley a chance to welcome The Wall together before it is assembled at Star Valley Middle School. He said residents lining the route with flags will help make the event especially meaningful for veterans, families, and the wider community.

The procession is one of several events surrounding the memorial’s visit, but organizers say it will be an important part of the experience. Conley thanked volunteers, donors, and local officials for their support in making the escort possible.