The American Legion Riders
From the Members of ALRA of Wisconsin
In the fall of 1993, the original American Legion Riders idea was a shared dream of then Post Commander Bill (Polka) Kaledas and Chuck (Tramp) Dare at Post 396 in Garden City, Michigan. The idea was to start a motorcycle association that would operate within the American Legion. It consisted of members of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion who shared an interest in motorcycling. It was meant to be a family oriented group. Since then, several groups have been formed throughout the country. These American Legion motorcyclist groups all share a common interest...riding.
Riding...participating in parades and ceremonies promoting the mission and image of the American Legion.
Also, many groups have been instrumental in raising monies for numerous charities, contributing to those in need.
We are NOT a M/C! We don't practice M/C rules and regulations. We are an association, a group of American Legion members that ride for a cause.
Whether it is working together on Veteran's issues, participating in a local parade as a motorcycle color guard, raising monies for a charity or cruising together on a beautiful fall colored highway, the American Legion Riders program has provided a lot of enjoyment for those members who share a common interest in motorcycling.
If you are a veteran that may or may not be a member of the American Legion and loves the "freedom of the road" on two wheels (and sometimes even three), contact us at webmaster@rcwial.org we'd love to have you!
The American Legion Riders
Today over 425 American Legion Riders programs, organized by chapters, districts, or departments, support Americanism and Children and Youth programs in virtually every state in the nation, and more are organizing each month. One of the fastest-growing and most highly visible of the many programs offered by The American Legion, The American Legion Riders are a very diverse group, and so are the programs that they support. What do American Legion Riders do? The activities are far too many to mention in this space, but here are a few examples:
The American Legion Riders
American Legion Riders chapters and districts, nationally, have become some of the most generous donors for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund, raising as much as $5,000 or more in a single event.
Legion Riders participate in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as "Rolling Thunder".
Legion Riders sponsor or participate in local and national charity events in support of the sponsoring American Legion Post.
Legion Riders ride to raise money for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Battered Women and Children's Center, Varied Children and Youth programs, a School for Blind Children, Veterans Relief, Needy families and many, many others.
Legion Riders founded a national movement called “Patriot Guard” (www.patriotguard.org) that honors and protects the sanctity of military funerals and memorial services.
Legion Riders have formed special motorcycle Honor Guards and ceremonial teams highlighting the special bonds formed in military service and the motorcycling community.
Legion Riders have also begun to teach motorcycle and driver safety in the community and in schools in cooperation with ABATE and other national motorcycling organizations.
Remember: American Legion Riders are a very dedicated group of Legion Family members. When your Post or district sponsors a new Riders organization, you create a win/win situation for your post, district, and Department!
Click on http://www.legion.org for online details.
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