The annual Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Torch Motorcycle Ride travels from Eugene, Ore., to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington. This year, the group of patriot motorcyclists are making Interstate 70 part of their 17-day, 3,000-mile route.

The Memorial Torch Ride will stop in Hays on Sunday, July 23, to honor CW2 Bryan J. Nichols from Palco and Sgt. Derrick Lutters from Ransom and their families. The ceremony and dinner will begin at 4 pm at the National Guard Armory at 200 Main Street in Hays hosted by the American Legion Post 173.

During the “Fallen Soldier Home Visit,” the group will present Doug and Cindy Nichols and Chuck Lutters with Memorial Plaques of Distinguished Service. They will stay in Hays for the evening and leave for the rest of their journey Monday morning. Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Memorial Torch Motorcycle Ride will exit I-70 at the Bryan J. Nichols Memorial Interchange at Vine and will travel through town at around 3:35-3:45.

The American Legion Post 173 invites all area residents to line the sidewalks of Vine Street for an honored welcome and support for ride and the families of our fallen heroes. Please check out their website for videos, pictures, and stories at www.tributetofallensoldiers.com.

On Sept. 9, the locally ran sixth annual CW2 Bryan Nichols/Sgt. Derrick Lutters Memorial Ride will process from Hays to the gravesites of each soldier in Palco and Ransom for a tribute to the lives and families of these two heroic young men. A program and dinner will follow in Ness City.

To get more information about these men we remember follow the Facebook page and join in.

— Submitted