as melissa melai reports, each carry a somber reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. >> reporte this is the ft. washington staging area for the group, 2 million bikers to d.c. it's their way of showing patriotism on a day america will never forget. >> builds me up. well worth the trip. >> reporter: a long ride to get here for some who rode in from the west, north, south and east coasts, sporting their different bikes and their american flags. >> in honor of the country, flying a flag on the bike. >> reporter: this vietnam vet bought his honda two weeks ago and rode 1,200-plus miles from wisconsin. >> having the honor to be part of this group and be one of thousands of riders that will be here today that are honoring those who are no longer with us. >> reporter: red, white and blue can be seen everywhere, even in unique fashion. >> i skipped chemoto be here tod >> before revving up for their ride to the national mall, everyone gets a name tag of at least one person who perished in the 9/11 attacks. matthew burke. and over here you have edward calderon. >> god bless them. it's har