boston_wounded_vet_run_fbThe Fifth Annual Wounded Vet Motorcycle Run roars through Melrose Saturday just after noon to raise awareness and funds for soldiers who have sacrificed much so we can remain free.

The pack — which includes thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts — leaves Boston Harley Davidson in Revere at noon. It is expected to enter Melrose around 12:10 p.m. (time approximate), traveling from Main Street in Malden to Oak Grove, onto Washington Street north to the Lynn Fells Parkway. The procession then heads east toward Main Street, turning north there toward Wakefield. Along the way, certain roads will be temporarily closed and intersections blocked.

The bikers are expected to be in Melrose until about 12:45 p.m. The run eventually ends at Suffolk Downs.

Saturday’s participants will ride all manner of bikes, the majority being American-made Harley-Davidsons, and will beep horns and wave to those who turn out to lend support along the route.

The area’s motorcycling community will buy and sell T-shirts, pins and other items for the run’s cause. Some shops will serve as meeting places where riders convene before heading to Squire Road to start the trip.

Riders will raise money but non-riders can also participate at the Suffolk Downs concert at the run’s conclusion. If you want to make a donation make out a check to Boston’s Wounded Veterans, attention Vet Ride, ITAM Post 6, 60 Paris St., East Boston MA 02128.

Saturday motorcyclists will ride because veterans continue to sacrifice themselves for us, one critical reason to honor and respect what everyone involved in the Wounded Vet Run does year in and year out.