HARRISVILLE — When Bill Tomko's nephew died in combat in the Iraq war, he wanted to create a way for families to band together to remember those who died.

Tomko of Harrisville is organizing the third memorial motorcycle ride to commemorate each town's soldiers, and it will travel from Mercer County to Butler County on June 14.

Tomko, a Vietnam War veteran, started the Western Pa. Families of Fallen Heroes Foundation after the death of his nephew, and after conversations with other families who have lost their loved ones during a time of war.

Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko, 24, of McKees Rocks, formerly of Butler, died on Nov. 9, 2003, when his Humvee came under attack south of Baghdad.

"We started talking to families after and they would thank me because they didn't think anybody cared," Tomko said. "We started contacting other organizations to get something together to let the families know that people do care."

Last year, about 300 people participated in the memorial motorcycle ride through each town. Tomko said he expects even more riders this year.

The ride will begin in Franklin and will go through Harrisville about noon to 12:15 p.m., then through Slippery Rock about 12:30 p.m.

In Grove City, the riders will meet at the American Legion on South Broad Street between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. They will then continue to Mercer for a ceremony at the courthouse, and end the ride in Hermitage with a ceremony at the Hickory High School football stadium at 4 p.m.

A separate ride will begin in Butler at Diamond Park at 10:30 a.m. and leave Butler between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. It will continue to Saxonburg, Lyndora, Evans City and Zelienople.

The Butler group will then travel on Route 19 to meet the others in Mercer for a memorial ceremony.

Of the ride, Tomko said, "When families would tell me what they thought, I understood how they felt and I want to make sure these guys aren't forgotten.

"It's a good feeling that there are so many people who do care and we are stilling living during a war, and as long as I am still breathing I'll do this."

Nathan Sommers of Harrisville spent five years in the Marine Corps and six months as a soldier in Iraq. He returned home in July 2005.

He connected with Tomko through his father, who heard about the organization through a friend.

Sommers will read the names of local soldiers who died in Iraq and will read two poems during the day's ceremonies.

"It's important for me because I want to show my thanks for people from right here who sacrificed their lives for what this country is all about and being able to be free," Sommers said.

"The families of the people who died are going to be there, and I will be there to let them know their sons or daughters and nephews didn't die in vain, and they are not alone, and that I support them and the military."

Paratroopers, bagpipe players, a dove release and a gun salute also will be a part of final memorial ceremony.

For information on the Western Pa. Families of Fallen Soldiers Foundation call 724-735-2966 or visit www.wpffh.org.