The motorcycle has long been associated with those who volunteer to serve in the military.

After World War 2, motorcycles in the United States saw a growth in popularity and the beginning of the biker legend and mystique when returning servicemen took advantage of a surplus of bikes and an open road.

In the United Kingdom, an effort to honor the British servicemen who lost their lives servicing in Afghanistan has caught the Nation's attention and the event continues to grow as the date comes nearer.

At the time of reporting, thousands of bikers from across the country are planning a spectacular mass ride through Wiltshire on Mother’s Day to honor the people of Wootton Bassett and the soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan. 
 
The motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to ride through the Wiltshire town on Sunday March 14 and then gather on the runway at the local military base, RAF Lyneham. Riders will hand over funds raised for the Afghan Heroes charity – set up last September by a group of mother’s who lost their sons in Afghanistan.

The motorcycle enthusiasts are not only honoring those who have fallen while serving their country, but also the fellow countrymen and women who live in Wootton Bassett and regularly pay tribute to the returning soldiers on their final trip home. The town, about 75 miles west of London, has come to symbolize Britain's grief over the rising number of troops killed in Afghanistan. On their return to Britain, the soldiers pass through the town in flag-draped caskets where hundreds of mourners routinely line Wootton Bassett's streets to show their respect.

Classical singer Tim Pitman will sing the specially composed song “Fields of Green” which he recorded to raise funds for Afghan Heroes at the RAF Lyneham gathering. 
 
Last week Prince Charles joined the residents of Wootton Basset as the town honored the return of Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper, 21, and Rifleman Peter Aldridge, 19 two more young soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

"My wife and I have come to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the people of Wootton Bassett for their unstinting support of Britain's armed forces," Prince Charles later told a crowd, "This country owes these brave men a great debt of gratitude, which is why it's wonderful to see the good people of Wootton Bassett honoring that debt time after time when our boys come home."

"Your actions have come to symbolize our nation's grief," he continued.

The idea for the upcoming motorcycle event came from 18-year-old biker Elizabeth Stevens, who planned a ride with just a few friends, but has received interest from motorcycle groups across the country who want to take part in the ride.

Participating bikers will pay a fee to join the ride and receive a special commemorative Afghan Heroes wristband. All proceeds raised from the ride will go to the Afghan Heroes charity, which helps British service personnel as well as the soldiers families.

Denise Harris, whose son Corporal Lee Scott, aged 26, lost his life in an explosion last July is touched by the upcoming event.

“To have so many people thinking of us on Mother’s Day is just astonishing and overwhelming and it will be very emotional to see so many bikers showing their support to the people of Wootton Bassett and for our boys and Girls," Harris said, "I believe everyone at the RAF base is also pleased that so many people want to pay their respects to the fallen and to Wootton Bassett for everything they have done, and with people saying they will ride from North Wales, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and the South East they decided to open the gates so that the bikers had somewhere to gather. We will be proud to accept the funds raised at the air base.”