Last modified: Monday, September 8, 2008 2:30 AM EDT Ducks flood the streets to help vets The 15th annual Ruptured Ducks Memorial Run departs on Sunday from the Norton VFW Post on Summer Street on a 50- mile run. The 63 motorcyclists raised about $800 for veterans’ causes. (Staff photo by Tom Maguire) Dozens ride to help vets in Norton By Donna Kendall FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE NORTON - Richly decorated leather, resplendent tattoos and plenty of muscle were on display, with cannon fire and the roar of engines providing the soundtrack to the start of Sunday's 15th annual Ruptured Ducks Motorcycle Run to benefit area veterans. Sixty-three bikes made up the field this year, down from about 75 last year and down from numbers close to 100 in previous years. The 50-mile, hour-and-a-half scenic route winds through Norton, Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton and Attleboro and back. Dottie Ellis, secretary for the Ruptured Ducks, attributed the decline in participation to rising gas prices and a growth in the number of other charity events competing for riders. Ellis and her family represent three generations of Ruptured Ducks, including son B.J. Ellis and grandson Paul Bremilst-Elllis, a lifetime member at age 7. The event was expected to bring in approximately $800 from registration fees and a raffle, most of which will be used to benefit veterans, some homeless, referred by the Brockton Veterans Administration Medical Center and other veterans' associations in the region. The funds are used are for grocery gift cards, dinners, recreation such as a Christmas party, a trip to see the Providence Bruins or to the Pawtucket Red Sox, or to buy toiletries and such for veterans who may need them. The Norton Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted the event this year, offering a safe starting and end point, better access and ample facilities for a post-ride meal at their Summer Street location. The Attleboro Elks had hosted the event for many years, preceded by the Norton American Legion Post 222, where the run was inaugurated and run for the first several years. Among the clubs represented was the Christian Motorcycle Association, a nationwide group of about 100,000 members in about 1,000 chapters including those in New Bedford and Franklin. The New England Vikings Motorcycle Club President Everett Halpen explained that their club is all about charitable causes, particularly for veterans. "Most of us are veterans ourselves, and as veterans we support the other clubs." In addition, members of the Iron Indians, the Westport Hogs and several independent riders made up the pack.