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Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Ride In Beaver Co. May Be In Jeopardy

BEAVER (KDKA) -- Some veterans in Beaver County believe politics may put their motorcycle ride in jeopardy this weekend.

The sheriff wants to provide an escort, but county commissioners say that can't happen.

KDKA's Paul Martino Reports:

It's all part of an observance underway in Beaver this week as the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is on display.

It's a display that is bringing some to tears.

But some of the Vietnam vets say the politics that marred the war are also marring their ceremonies.

"Politics was not part of it," said Larry Googins, of Vietnam Veterans of America. "But as we all know, it was a big part of it back in our own country, unfortunately."

At issue is a 70 mile motorcycle ride for the vets this Saturday.

For the past 12 years, the sheriff has always provided an escort for the motorcycles. This year, county commissioners say a court ruling prohibits the escort.

KDKA's Paul Martino: "You're going to have 2,000 bikes riding through the county, don't you think there should be some security?"

Beaver County Commissioner Tony Amadio: "I know. We had an interpretation from our solicitor's office, he says we're just not permitted to do it."

But Sheriff George David says it is political vendetta against him. He's vowing to defy the commissioners.

"We lost over 58,000 men in Vietnam, they didn't let us down. I'm sure not going to let them down," he said.

And ride organizers posted nasty signs calling for the ouster of the county commissioners.

"We've never had one accident or fatality. There's a reason for that. It's a controlled ride," said John Wakeley, of the American Legion Riders. "And the sheriff's department has always been there with the support of the other police departments."

The veterans groups are appealing to the county commissioners and still holding out hope that they get the protection they need for this weekend motorcycle run.

UPDATE (Sept. 25, 2014):
Dennis Nichols, a Beaver County commissioner, on Thursday said, "The judge's order is pretty clear and the sheriff has signed a consent decree to abide by that order, but from the commissioners' point, again, it's a matter of following the letter of the law and that's what we'll do."

KDKA's Christine D'Antonio Reports:

Sheriff George David showed KDKA paperwork drafted by his attorney, and said he and his men plan to provide escort services for the ride on Saturday.

The county disagrees that the Vietnam Veterans of America is a "quasi-governmental" agency, as the sheriff says.

Late Thursday afternoon, it said law 501 C19 supports the consent that the Sheriff's office is not allowed to offer services.

The county met Thursday with the VVA to secure other escorts, including the state police and other agencies.

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