More than 100 motorcycle riders from across North Idaho will converge this weekend to honor the Congressional Medal of Honor winner from St. Maries, whose name now marks a street in Kootenai County.

Several biker groups will ride from Coeur d'Alene to St. Maries to pick up the family of Vernon Baker today, then return for a ceremony honoring veterans at the new Vernon J. Baker Boulevard.

"We honor and respect veterans," said Mike Draper, associate director of the Harley Owners group.

Anyone is welcome to participate in the ride or the following ceremony, Draper said.

Registration for the ride is scheduled for 8 a.m. at Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson on Appleway in Coeur d'Alene.

The ride will commence at 9.

The bikers plan to end up at Vernon J. Baker Boulevard around 12:15, p.m. Draper said, adding that Baker's wife Heidi and her daughter and grandson will be picked up and transported in a '72 convertible Chevelle.

"It's basically to honor the memory of Vernon and his actions in World War II," Draper said.

Baker, who passed away last year, was an African American World War II hero who belatedly received the Medal of Honor in 1997.

Now buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Baker received the congressional medal for heroism during a battle near Viareggio, Italy, in April 1945.

His efforts included destroying six machine gun nests, two observer posts and four dugouts in one night during his company's attack against an entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain.

The next night he voluntarily led a battalion through enemy mine fields and heavy fire.

Vernon J. Baker Boulevard, running parallel to U.S. Highway 95 between Lancaster and Bentz roads, was named after the hero last December.

Draper said he regrets that Baker didn't receive recognition for his efforts for so long because of his race.

"It took 57 years," Draper said. "It just shows there is hope in America for honoring veterans who deserve it."

The post-ride ceremony will include appearances by the county commissioners and the National Guard, he said.

Bikers who participate will include members of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Harley Owners Group, Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Riders.

"It will be a great event," Draper said. "Just people showing support for a veteran who served his country proudly in World War II."