SIDNEY — The Shelby County Vets to DC program has issued an invitation to area motorcyclists to escort two buses out of town, Sept. 18.

The program takes veterans of the Vietnam and earlier wars free of charge to the nation’s capital to see the monuments erected in their honor. This year’s trip will include two World War II, five Korean War and 31 Vietnam War veterans and their companions. The program covers the cost of the trip for the veterans. Companions and caregivers pay their own way.

The buses will leave from the Shelby County fairgrounds at 8 a.m. Motorcyclists have traditionally led the buses through town and south on I-75 to Vandalia, where the escort separates from the entourage. In 2014, more than 100 motorcyclists led parade of buses and support vehicles.

Participating riders should be line up by 7:30 a.m. next to the Shelby County Emergency Management building, 800 Fair Road, adjacent to the Shelby County fairgrounds. Volunteers there will divide the group into two squads, one for each departing motor coach.

For information, email [email protected].