LEWISTON - Cheers and tears greeted about 1,000 motorcyclists escorting a large star-spangled trailer-truck bringing a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Twin Cities Sunday afternoon.

Scores of spectators lined Longley Bridge and the area around Veterans Memorial Park. They waved flags and shouted congratulations as the bikers rolled past in a procession estimated to be about three miles long. It took more than half an hour for them all to cross the bridge between Auburn and Lewiston.

Riders of ages spanning two or three generations took part. Several said they were amazed at the show of support on their trip from York. People waved and cheered all along the route.

Some differences of opinion about whether the Maine Turnpike Authority should charge the escort bikers came to an unexpected and widely-appreciated resolution when a private donor wrote a check to cover the tolls.

Robert Barnes, director of employee and business relations, Maine and New Hampshire, for The Fortin Group/ Dignity Memorial, which sponsors the wall's visit, said a man came to him at the York toll plaza just before the procession left.

"He had tears in his eyes and said he couldn't sleep last night," Barnes said. "He told me he wanted to do something," and that was to pay for each motorcycle's $3 turnpike toll.

Barnes identified the donor as Vaughn Pratt of LandVest in Portland. He said he understands that Pratt had a brother who was killed in Vietnam.

Although Pratt's gift took care of the monetary tolls, many riders paid an obvious emotional toll during the experience.

"This was my time. I did two tours in 'Nam and we never got recognition, but we are getting it now," said Ron Bilodeau of Sabattus. "I had tears many, many times on the way down. The ride was beautiful."

He said it was a challenging ride in the Turnpike traffic, with some motorists cutting in and out.

Ray Weatherbee of Rockland said, "It's been 40 years since I started telling anyone I was a Vietnam veteran. Now I can say I'm proud of it."

Weatherbee added that he was surprised at all the support from the people at the overpasses and "the cars that would pull over and they'd all wave."

George Chapin Jr. of Waldoboro and Gary Leach of Union agreed.

Chapin is a Vietnam-era vet who was stationed in Germany but was ready to go to Vietnam. "I'm very sentimental about this. It was very moving."

Leach added, "The coordinators and the police did a real good job."

Franz Garami of Rockland is another Vietnam vet who was pleased with the event.

"It all went very well, except for a couple of scrapes," he said.

Alan and Susan Olsen of Warner, N.H., rode with the New Hampshire chapter of Rolling Thunder in support of the Maine chapter.

"What a wonderful, wonderful event. Very impressive," said Olsen.

He is a Vietnam vet with two tours as a helicopter pilot.

"This is one of the best things I've ever seen," said George Knight of Wiscasset.

Sunday's riders were on all kinds of motorcycles, including several custom tri-wheel models. There were both men and women riding single and double. Many wore jackets with pins, medals and patches proclaiming U.S. military support. Some raised solemn salutes as they rolled beneath a huge American flag hung across the street from ladders of L-A fire trucks. Others traded joyful thumbs-up and V-for-victory gestures with spectators.

Turnout for the motorcycle escort doubled the number of bikers who rode into Maine for last year's wall visit to South Portland. Organizers reported that a couple of bikers suffered minor injuries Sunday in spills that occurred in the first few miles. United Ambulance Service of Lewiston had vehicles in the procession to attend to such incidents.

Sunday's riders represented organizations including the Patriot Guard, Rolling Thunder and several uniformed police units. A spaghetti lunch was provided for the motorcyclists at the Lewiston Armory.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, a three-quarter size replica which is 240 feet long and eight feet high, will be on display to the public at Lewiston's Veterans Memorial Park from Friday, Sept. 28, to Sunday, Sept. 30.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

A truck carrying a 240-foot-long replica of the Vietnam veterans wall crosses the Longley Bridge from Auburn as it comes to Lewiston on Sunday. At least 1,000 motorcycle riders escorted the truck into town.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

"Brings back memories," said Vietnam veteran Warren Clark of Turner. Clark, a Marine who served in Vietnam from 1963 to 1965, broke down during a ceremony following the arrival in Lewiston of the Vietnam veterans memorial wall replica.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Martine Gagne, left, Claudette Fisher and Laurette Gagne wave American flags as the truck carrying a 240-foot-long replica of the Vietnam veterans memorial wall enters Lewiston on Sunday.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Wendy Brown of Auburn and her 2½-year-old son Oliver display their patriotism as they wait for a replica of the Vietnam veterans memorial wall to arrive in Lewiston on Sunday.