AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

Motorcyclists are a very dedicated group of people. When you combine them with The American Legion Family, you create a win/win situation.

Each American Legion Rider Chapter manages its programs at the post level, where all of the best ideas are born in the best American Legion “grass-roots” tradition. Listed below are only a few examples of the programs and projects of The American Legion Riders.

2008 Flag Day Run

1. Participation in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as "Rolling Thunder".

2. Participation in annual regional rides such as “Operation Wounded Warrior, sponsored by Riders in Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, California, and several other western states.

3. Sponsoring or participating in local charity events in support of The American Legion or of the community.

4. Raising money for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Women and Children's Centers, Children and youth centers, schools, and many others.

5. Sponsoring or participating in motorcycle "Runs" to benefit numerous charities, including charities for underprivileged children and medical research, just to name a few.

6. Participation in local memorial ceremonies and community parades.

7. Annual participation in The American Legacy Run, a fundraising cross-country run from The American Legion’s national headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the year’s national convention city.

8. Riding to honor fallen military men and women, and to protect the sanctity of their funerals from those who would dishonor their memory.

9. Riding escort for military units en route to departure airfields and airports to combat tours overseas, and welcoming them home upon their return.

Today the American Legion Riders have grown to nearly 800 Legion Rider programs in virtually every Department and in several overseas areas.

Over the last few years, Riders in Iowa have formed an honor guard called The Five Star Freedom Riders. Riders in Mulvane, Kansas, reacting to a religious cult that uses the deaths of military members to further a misguided cause, formed the original “Patriot Guard” to protect and show our respect to the families at military funerals.

American Legion Riders in all states have escorted returning military units as they return home from combat tours overseas, and have raised literally millions of dollars for countless local, state, and national charities.

And the Riders have only just started to roll.

The American Legion Riders have adopted the following basic eligibility rules for membership:

1. All members of the American Legion Riders must hold individual membership in The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, or the Sons of The American Legion.

2. Members must be the legally registered owner of a motorcycle or be the spouse of the legally registered owner within the state of registration.

3. All operators must be properly licensed and insured per state laws.

4. All members will obey the motor vehicle laws in any state in which they are operating a motorcycle or riding as a passengers.

The American Legion LEGACY RUN

Legacy Scholarship

Our Civic Duty: Ride For the Children Left Behind

An online gathering of American Legion Riders and others interested in the annual American Legion Legacy Run. Click on the "Post a Comment" link following the articles below and join in the discussion! Legacy Run Blogspot