The Idaho StatesmanTom Titus' best friend was killed in Vietnam nearly 30 years ago. On Tuesday, he asked Boise rock 'n' roller Paul Revere to help remember his friend.

Revere is headlining a motorcycle trip to Washington, D.C., in honor of the war's fallen. Titus is a veteran and a biker, but can't make the trip. So Revere promised to sport Titus' leather vest and touch it to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

That's where the name of Willie McCloud, Titus' friend, can be found. "He died in my arms, Aug. 6, 1971," said Titus, a former Army Ranger who lives in Boise. "I'm one of the lucky guys to be here."

With tears streaming down his cheeks, he handed his vest to Revere at a news conference in front of Boise City Hall on Tuesday.

Mayor Brent Coles signed a proclamation declaring Tuesday "Ride to the Wall Day" and urged Boiseans to support the singer on his journey.

Revere and a group of motorcyclists are riding to the nation's capital, where Revere will perform at a Memorial Day Weekend event for Rolling Thunder, a veterans motorcycle group.

As many as 400,000 people were at last year's show, Revere said. The May 27 concert is scheduled to feature Miss America 2000 Heather French and Adrian Cronauer, who Robin Williams portrayed in the movie "Good Morning, Vietnam."

Revenue from "Ride to the Wall," the first Paul Revere and the Raiders album in 20 years, will be donated to veterans organizations.

Revere said veterans were "like outcasts when they came home" from Vietnam.

"I think it's time that the Vietnam vets were recognized for the heroes that they are," said the music legend's wife, Sydney Revere.

To offer story ideas or comments, contact reporter Wayne Hoffman at 377-6416 or whoffman@boise.gannett.com

An emotional Paul Revere hugs an equally emotional Tom Titus in a brief ceremony at Boise City Hall on Tuesday -- part of Revere's cross-country Ride to the Wall motorcycle trip.