The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (FACVB) in partnership with Freedom Biker Church and Rolling Thunder NC Chapter 1, will host the first annual Heroes Homecoming Motorcycle Rally, on November 11 in Fayetteville. The rally will close out the fifth annual Heroes Homecoming celebration, dedicated to acknowledging the sacrifice and service of our country’s brave Vietnam Veterans while also furthering the community’s Missing Man Table Initiative. The FACVB is challenging businesses and organizations to participate in the Missing Man Table Initiative as a way to inspire and help educate the public on the importance and symbolism of the display. The Missing Man Table, similar to the Fallen Comrade Table, honors the memory of missing or imprisoned military service members.

“Motorcycles have always been a symbol of freedom,” said John Meroski, President & CEO of the FACVB. “Rallying around those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom in the community where they reside seems more than appropriate during Heroes Homecoming.” The rally will kick off at Fort Bragg Harley Davidson at 10:30AM (registration beginning at 9:30AM) with a ride through Cumberland County. The ride will make its way to The Moving Wall Dedication Ceremony held at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and then continue on to Festival Park. The rally at Festival Park will feature guest speakers, performances by nine local and regional bands, a Bike Blessing Ceremony, as well as a Missing Man Table Ceremony.

Attendees can participate in various contests such motorcycle, tattoo, and beard. Food trucks will be on site, as will local vendors of all types. Vietnam Veterans are invited to stop by the VIP Tent, which will be sponsored by Fort Bragg Harley Davidson, where they can relax while being pampered by Floating Shanti with various spa treatments. Family-friendly and free to the public, proceeds from the event will go to the Lone Survivor Foundation, as well as Fort Bragg Fisher House.

“As a Marine, the son of a Vietnam Veteran and the grandson of a WWII Veteran, I have nothing but the highest respect for those who serve this country,” said John "E" Thompson, President of Rolling Thunder NC Chapter 1. “We are proud to be a part of this great event as Heroes Homecoming is an unique way for the Cumberland County community to band together and honor our nations veterans. The roar of a motorcycle has long been synonymous with honoring those who served and it’s time to bring a little of that thunder to Cumberland County!”

For more information on Heroes Homecoming, the Heroes Homecoming Motorcycle Rally, and a full list of events, visit www.HeroesHomecoming.com. Follow along with the celebration on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or by following the hashtag #KnowSacrifice.

About Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:

The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and leisure travel. For additional information about America’s First Military Sanctuary Community, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-888-98-HEROES.

About Heroes Homecoming:

The communities of Cumberland County created Heroes Homecoming in 2011 as a way of showing recognition and appreciation to all veterans for their courage, their sacrifice and everything they do to defend this country’s freedom – now and forever. This year, the Communities of Cumberland County will host veterans and families from across the region to participate in a week-long celebration honoring the brave men and women who served our country in the Vietnam War.