SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KTIV) - The 11th annual Thunder on the Missouri was Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds of bike riders started in Sergeant Bluff, IA and ended with a ceremony in South Sioux City, Neb. to honor veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The ride itself is just an honor mission to remember all those guys that never really got to hang up their uniform. Those that gave all,” said Marty Hogan, Director of Thunder on the Missouri.

Hundreds of motorcyclists, jeep riders, and classic car owners, gathered at Sergeant Bluff Community Center for hours of camaraderie and remembrance of those who gave their life for their country.

“Civilian life, people are kind of on their own. You’re used to, in the military, not being on your own. You got a whole group. You’ve got a whole posse with you. That’s kind of the whole thing. We all bond together. We all ride for the same cause.” said Hogan.

Hundreds of bike riders rode from Sergeant Bluff to Siouxland Freedom Park where they presented the “Thunder Salute” and held a ceremony for those veterans who never returned home.

“I was lucky, and I’ve never really been in a place where I was in combat or was in any kind of danger of losing my life. So, for me this is my tribute back to them and my thank you. And, never letting them be forgotten,” said Hogan.

Hogan said this event is important because veterans have found comfort and familiarity in each other. He said civilian life can be lonely and it’s nice to talk to people who understand the military experience.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve deployed or not or anything else. You know, another military veteran understands what you’ve done, where you’ve been. And they’ve walked in your shoes,” said Hogan.

“Every year it’s a very small sacrifice for the sacrifice that they made. They gave the rest of their lives. So, for us, it’s an hour or two of our day. This ride is honoring people. It’s not about the people that are in the ride. We’re all just faceless riders,” said Hogan.

Follow this link for a full list of Memorial Day in Events in Northwest Iowa .

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