Almighty God, we give you thanks, for giving us a land
of the free that we can enjoy riding through its beauty of trees, valleys, and mountains and rivers. You have blessed us with
good health to our bodies, minds, and spirits, so that we can appreciate your awesome gifts of owning a bike to ride and friends
and comrades that can appreciate the same. Help us to help those in need in their lives, so that they too can prosper
in all that they are capable of doing and becoming for the glory of God. We ask for your safety and protection as we travel
far and near and to unknown places. Make our lives to be good examples as a Legion Rider who cares about veterans, and
our troops who are serving, and Lord be with their families right now. Especially at this time, be with those
who are grieving for those who have given the Ultimate Sacrifice for their beloved country. Give each of us the strong sense
of Your presence and Your Guidance in all things. In your name, we pray.
The ALL NEWVeterans Help Center is now available at www.usalr.org. These links will enable you to find important Veterans Benefits, Order a copy of your DD214,
get info on VA Home Loans, Burial and Survivor Benefits, Replace lost or stolen Awards or Decorations, check for VA Compensation
or Pension information, Apply for a Job with the VA. You can even refill your VA Prescriptions and Manage your Health Care
Online! Check it out.
Fifty-one years ago, Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans
Day for all of America. The next year, on October 8, 1954, President Eisenhower signed a proclamation that stated: “On
that day, let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign
shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.” So, for this month in honor of Veterans Day, I think it is appropriate
to share with you, a nationally recognized honorable motorcycle riders’ organization, the American Legion Riders (ALR).
The ALR are members of the American Legion and are also motorcycle enthusiasts. They
can be found participating in parades, partaking in motorcycling events, and supporting the communities in which they live,
work, and play. Members of the ALR come from the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion.
ALR is not a motorcycle club, and does not follow motorcycle club rules or
regulations. They are a family-oriented, just as its parent organization: the American Legion.
This year they celebrated their tenth anniversary of being a national organization. Their history began in the fall
of 1993, when Chuck (Tramp) Dare shared a dream with then Post Commander (Polka) Bill Kaledas at the American Legion Post
396 in Garden City, Michigan. The idea came about to start a motorcycle association that would operate within the American
Legion. The idea was to provide an atmosphere where Post, Auxiliary and S.A.L. members, who shared an enthusiasm for motorcycles,
could come together. It was meant to be a family-oriented group.
They began the
long process of gaining approval to use the American Legion Emblem. The Post sponsored the group, which became known as the
"American Legion Riders.” Thus, the Post brought about the birth of the first ALR group in 1994. The small group
quickly grew to 19 members and developed by-laws and designed an emblem. They gained approval of the emblem by the national
headquarters of the American Legion, which is worn today by ALR groups throughout the country and is available to all State
chapters.
Another important decision was made to not require members that wanted
to become an ALR to transfer from their Post to one that had an existing ALR organization. This allowed American Legion members
from smaller Posts to remain with their local Post, but could be a member and ride with a nearby existing ALR group. This
had an unforeseen positive effect, as more veterans joined the American Legion to become ALRs!
Their main objective is to support the aims and purposes of the American Legion, through service to their community,
state and Nation. Since the membership of the ALR is a very diverse group, so are the programs that they are involved in.
By allowing each ALR Chapter to give their members the ability to manage their program at the Post level, the program has
been allowed to grow. Today, there are Legion Rider programs in several states, and many more starting. The types of things
that these groups are doing are far too many to mention in this article, but here are a few examples:
Participating in the annual POW/MIA rally held each Memorial Day weekend in Washington D.C.
known as "Rolling Thunder.“
Sponsoring or participating
in local charity events.
Raising money for such organizations as
their local VA Hospital, battered women and children's center, varied children and youth programs, a school for blind
children, veterans relief, needy families and many, many others.
Sponsoring
or participating in motorcycle "Runs" to benefit numerous charities, including charities for underprivileged children
and medical research, just to name a few.
Participating in memorial
ceremonies and community parades.
One group is spearheading an effort
to erect a "Veterans Memorial Park" in the center of their downtown area.
The recognition by local communities has marked the program as a true success. The ALR Group in Michigan was even
honored by the local city council, when they drafted a resolution declaring the American Legion Riders as a valuable asset
to the community. Motorcyclists can be a very dedicated group of people, when you combine that with the fact that they are
legionnaires, you create a win/win situation.
This rider’s program was
designed to have people work together and enjoy themselves. It may be a group of riders working on a fund raiser for a local
charity; it may be just a warm summer evening ride together or maybe just sitting at the Post sharing stories. It's all
about members working together and playing together - it is there for them to enjoy.
So,
if you’re looking for a bunch of great patriotic motorcycle riding guys and gals still doing great things for our veterans,
communities and country, check out their web site for membership requirements and ALRs’ locations.
A special
note of thanks to American Legion Riders and Pat "Bobcat" Babcock, the Adjutant for the Sons of the American Legion
Squadron 396 in Garden City, Michigan, member of the American Legion Riders of the same Post and the "webmaster"
to the entire post.
You might hear someone announce, "Let's rock 'n roll" or "Let's do it,"
but whatever the go sign, it's immediately followed by the distinctive roar of "vroom ... vroom." I'm not
speaking of the start of a NASCAR event, but the Legion Riders of Fernandina Beach preparing to ride for a worthy cause.
This
distinguished motorcycle club is an elite group of members who belong to the Fernandina Beach American Legion Post No. 54.
They all have, or had at one time, a true passion for riding and the fervor for extolling the virtues of being a true patriot.
Some may not own a bike or actually ride for a cause, but they all have an infatuation for helping the less fortunate or those
who have experienced better days. Their leathers bear patches of the American flag and the local chapter insignia. They wear
them proudly displaying for all to see their true loyalty as veterans or family of the U.S. armed forces.
I recently
attended a monthly meeting of Legionnaires at Post 54. First off, I'm a life member of this prestigious organization open
only to military veterans and active-duty members. So, no, this is not an event that I crashed. At that meeting, I heard about
specific plans for a party: for Legion Riders celebrating their one-year anniversary.
Over the next few days, the curiosity
bug kicked in and I decided to nonchalantly drop in on the celebration. In my younger years, I must have seen too many Peter
Fonda movies like Easy Rider and heard too many wild stories of the Hell's Angels from the
'60s and '70s because my expectations were squashed as soon as I arrived. The people I met were my next-door neighbors.
They were teachers, med techs, mechanics, retired fishermen, etc., but they were not just ordinary people and I was soon introduced
to the reasons why.
The assemblies of these motorcycle enthusiasts form with sincere motives, whether it's to actually
ride for a particular cause or to congregate as a group to volunteer and serve our community. They wholeheartedly choose an
event to support which is near and dear to their hearts and to the hearts of many others. In some cases, their grand finale
will raise an exceptional amount of funds for one of their cherished endeavors, draw notice to one of the many charitable
organizations they endorse, or assist an organization or individual in dire need of help.
They hold monthly fundraisers
which may support local kids with debilitating ailments or colleagues who need assistance in covering expenses in their life-threatening
fight against cancer. They're visible in their push to support local organizations such as Micah's Place and Special
Olympics or venture to aid veterans at the Lake City Domiciliary and Peds Care. Their fundraisers help children's hospitals,
lend a hand to severely wounded service members, and provide phone cards for GIs deployed overseas.
Did I forget to
mention this is not just a local organization? Riders are chartered by many American Legion facilities around the world. There
are more than 800 local chapters in 48 states and several in foreign countries. All are members or spouses of members of the
American Legion, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion. They number in the thousands and will not
be impeded in achieving their goal to "Answer a call to ride in service to America's military, her veterans, and
for the children and youth of our country."
Within the Legion Riders organization is another auspicious group,
The Patriot Guard. The first Patriot Guard was formed in Kansas some years back and their goal was to protect and show respect
to families at military funerals. When other groups chose those sorrowing events to protest against the war, the Patriot Guard
elected to stand as protectors over their deceased fellow veterans.
Then and now, they stand as sentries allowing full
military honors to be rendered uninterrupted during this final tribute to another fallen soldier. It's called "a
mission," which is to stand in flag lines at veterans' funerals or memorial services and is guaranteed to give you
a huge lump in your throat. National attention to their causes are widely publicized in our newspapers with events such as
the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., known as "Rolling Thunder." Legion
Riders, as well as the Patriot Guard, escort and welcome returning military units as they head home from overseas tours.
On
Aug. 8, the Legion Riders chapter of Fernandina celebrated its one-year anniversary. So far their membership number stands
at 67 strong after only a year since being chartered and applications continue to arrive daily.
I personally would like
to congratulate every member and volunteer of this organization for giving our community and thousands of others their enthusiastic
and overwhelming support.
Happy Birthday Legion Riders of American Legion Post No 54. Ride on and keep up the great
work.
Debbie Walsh is a 22-year veteran and retired senior master sergeant in the Air Force who
lives in Yulee. She is a life member of American Legion Post No. 54 in Fernandina Beach.
The American Legion Riders are proud to announce that the ALR Post 4 Bake Auction raised $284.00. This is designated
for thefuture renovations to the existing Veteran's Memorial Park. Great plans for the future.
The American Legion
Riders Post 4 was graced with the presence of Miss Teen Lakeland, a distinct honor to our benefit.
Our appreciation to all who had participated in the organizing,
baking, delivering and purchasing of these delectable baked items.
Barney, our auctioneer, did a wonderful job announcing the items.
What a great time we had!
Thanks again to all,
Respectfully,
The American Legion Riders, Post 4
The American Legion Riders from Post #4 (particularly Linda)
have successfully delivered 6 care packages to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.Even though they had
trouble at first, supporting our troops is more than just a slogan to these Veterans.Below are copies
of the e-mails sent by Linda to the Executive Officer of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Thank
you ALR 4 for showing “Support Our Troops” are more than just words, they are actions.
Your
time and immediate response are to be commended!
The
American Legion Riders, Post 4, Lakeland, Florida arein appreciation of our American Soldiers and the
dedication of themselves and families in service for our country.
As
you entered the dining area, you may have noticed a table at the front, raised to call your attention to its purpose -- it
is reserved to honor our missing loved ones [or missing comrades in arms, for veterans].
Set
for six, the empty places represent Americans still [our men] missing from each of the five services -- Army, Navy, Marine
Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard – and civilians. This Honors Ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit.
Some
[here] in this room were very young when they were sent into combat; however, all Americans should never forget the brave
men and women who answered our nation's call [to serve] and served the cause of freedom in a special way.
I
would like to ask you to stand, and remain standing for a moment of silent prayer, as the Honor Guard places the five service
covers and a civilian cap on each empty plate.
Honor Guard: (In silence or with dignified, quiet
music as background, the Honor Guard moves into position around the table and simultaneously places the covers of the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, and a civilian hat, on the dinner plate at each table setting. The Honor Guard
then departs.)
Moderator:
Please be seated ....... I would
like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table.
The table is round -- to show
our everlasting concern for our missing men.
The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity
of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed
in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the
faith, awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued
determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind
us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
A pinch
of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
The
Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The
glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this evening's [morning’s/day’s] toast.
The
chairs are empty -- they are missing.
Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to
honor America's POW/MIAs and to the success of our efforts to account for them.
TABLE
SET UP:
1.A
small, round bistro table 2. White tablecloth 3. Single place setting, preferably all white 4. Wine glass - inverted 5. Salt shaker 6. Slice of lemon on bread plate with
a pile of spilled salt 7. Small bud vase with a single stem red rose 8. RED ribbon tied
around the vase 9. Candle - lit 10. Empty chair
Artwork: AII POW-MIA Text Credit: National League of Families
A Veteran - whether Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserve, is someone who at
some point in their lives, wrote a blank check made payable to "The People of the United States of America" for
an amount of "up to and including my life".
The Polk County Veterans Council
endeavors to unite all of Polk County's Veterans Organizations to better serve the
Men and Women whom have served our country so valiantly.
The Polk County Veterans Council is - Veterans helping Veterans.
