Recently, James Seese, who died in December of 2011 at the age of 69, completed an incredible journey home. It was a journey filled with respect and honor, one that captured the essence of his life.

It was a passage made possible by the sacrifices of others, not unlike the ones Seese had made himself. It was a trek supported by the American Legion Riders and the Ephrata chapter of the national organization.

On June 30, the cremated remains of Seese were returned to his descendants in Ephrata. A United States Army veteran, Seese had served his country as an artillery mate in Vietnam more than 40 years before he died.

After his service to our country, Seese worked as a truck driver for 42 years.

"It was so important to his family for him to have a final resting place here," said Scott Williams, director of Ephrata Chapter 429 of the American Legion Riders. "I hear about so many veterans who die without a family. I think it's important to come home and be with the ones you love."

From Seese's home in Alabama to Ephrata, Seese's cremains were escorted by more than 100 motorcycle-riding members of the American Legion Riders at various times and places along the way. A native of the Ephrata area, Seese had been one of the founders of American Legion Riders Chapter 155 in Bynum, Ala.

"I didn't know him, but from the little I got from his family, he was dedicated, and he was patient," said Williams. "He loved his country. He was a hard-working man. He loved that motorcycle community life."

Seese's 780-mile journey home began on June 5. From Alabama, Seese's escorted procession went to Tennessee and Virginia, then to West Virginia and Maryland before reaching Pennsylvania.

Seven members of the Ephrata American Legion Riders met the convoy of motorcycles at the intersection of routes 501 and 322 in Brickerville and accompanied Seese on the final few miles of his trip.

"The mood was solemn, and the transfer was dignified," said Williams. "(The procession) was unique in the way it was held. Only American Legion Riders did the escort."

"I'm thankful I got to be a part of it," he added.

Once the procession reached the American Legion Cloister Post 429 at 300 Cocalico St., Ephrata, Williams presented Seese's remains to his granddaughter Amanda Starver. Seese's remains were to be interred in a family cemetery.

"If you have freedom in the United States, you should thank a veteran," said Williams. "I think it's important to recognize every veteran who served his country."

"Sometimes as a chapter, we go up to the (Lebanon Veterans Affairs Hospital) and play bingo with the residents," Williams continued. "Sometimes we get the feeling we're the only ones coming to see them. I think some of those guys were forgotten. It feels good to honor their service and make sure they know they're remembered."

Ephrata Chapter 429 of the American Legion Riders was founded in 2018 and currently includes 22 members.

"Our goal is to help veterans, POWs (prisoners of war), MIAs (those missing in action), their families and ours," said Williams. "We ride for all."

For additional information on the Ephrata chapter, search for "Ephrata American Legion Riders Chapter 429" on Facebook.