More than 250 motorcycles are expected to pass through The American Legion Headquarters in Bloomington, on August 24th, 2022, at approximately 11:45 AM-1:15 PM as part of The
American Legion Legacy Run.
This five-day, 1,150-mile motorcycle ride brings awareness to post-9/11 veterans and their children.
The Legacy Run is one of the largest and longest organized motorcycle group rides in the United
States.
Occurring Aug. 21-25, 2022, this annual cross-country ride fundraiser raises money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, which benefits the children of fallen military personnel and the children of disabled veterans who served in the post-9/11 era. Now in its 16th year, the fund has collected more than $15 million, including $1.14 million in 2021.
The fund provides college scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed while serving on active duty on or after Sept.11, 2001, and children of post-9/11 veterans with a combined Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 50 percent or higher. Since 2004, the Legacy Scholarship Fund has awarded 478 scholarships.
“We are encouraging all Americans along the route to join us and show your support,” said Paul
Dillard, American Legion’s national commander. “Wave a flag or join us at one of our many stops. With over 250 motorcycles carrying the spirit of America, you’ll hear us roar through as we ride for the children of our nation’s heroes.”
This year’s Legacy Run will also help raise awareness for The American Legion’s new BE THE ONE campaign, an important initiative designed to facilitate a national conversation about the biggest challenge facing our veterans today—veteran suicide. BE THE ONE endeavors to destigmatize asking for mental health support, activate The American Legion’s vast peer-to-peer support network and provide resources and safe spaces for veterans to be open about the silent wounds of war.
This year’s ride will start at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Ala., on
Aug.21, 2022.
It will conclude at American Legion Post 434 in Oak Creek, Wis., on Aug. 25, where Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel will welcome the riders after traveling 1,150 miles across seven states over five days.
The ride will stop at monuments, memorials and American Legion posts in Lauderdale County and Tupelo, MS; Humboldt, TN; Mayfield and Paducah, KY; Perryville, MO; St. Libory, Bloomington and Marseilles, IL; and Union Grove before ending in Oak Creek, WI.
Photo courtesy to Jerry Vogler, McLean County VA
Leaders from The American Legion will be on hand to collect donations for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. and will be available to discuss the Legacy Run, The American Legion, as well as the new BE THE ONE initiative with the community and local media.
Dillard, who will participate in early stages of the Legacy Run,will be accompanied by Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox and The American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Daudistel.
About The American Legion
The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, is dedicated to the motto of “Veterans Strengthening America.”
Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to service members and veterans. Nearly 2 million members in more than 12,600 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness.
The American Legion Riders of Legion family members is a program with over 2,500 chapters in Legion Posts worldwide with over 125,000 members.
