The sound is representative of a sight to be seen for all who participate and all who line the roadways to show their respect for our fallen heroes. On Monday, May 25th the 17th annual Ride For America will kick off at7:00am at American Legion Post 233 on Highway 78.
On Memorial Day in 1999 the first Ride For America hosted 47 motorcycles with a ride from the Monroe Fairgrounds in Georgia to the courthouse in Madison, GA. Afterwards, there was a BBQ and social gathering honoring our Veterans. That day every participant made a small donation. Last year, on Memorial Day in 2014, an estimated 1,000 motorcycles and support vehicles departed American Legion Post 233 in Loganville, GA to Madison, GA. In August of 2014, the donations from the sponsors and participants of the Ride allowed the American Legion Riders of Post 233 in Loganville, GA to write a check to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund in excess of $10,000. Ride For America co-founder, Stan Mauldin says, “This was the largest donation by any single organization in Georgia. This year, in 2015, with the help of all the patriots who support us, we hope to increase participation over last year’s ride.”
Mauldin explains, “The funds that you help raise will benefit our main charity the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund and other Veteran causes including our local veterans in need. The second largest cause the American Legion Riders Post 233 sponsor is our visit to the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville where we provide various care packages to the Veterans along with a meal and fellowship.” The American Legion wants to ensure higher education is a possibility for children whose parents have been killed while serving our country. The Legion offers its support through the Legacy Scholarship Fund. (www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy)
Riders are invited to participate in this year’s ride. Gates will open at 7:00am with kick stands up at 9:30am. Complimentary Chick-fil-A biscuits will be provided to the first 600 riders. Motorcycle clubs and/or groups are encouraged to stage their group at a location off-site and arrive at the Legion in one group. Entry donations are $10.00 per rider and $5.00 for each passenger. The ride will maintain the same route it has followed through the years. For the safety of all motorcyclists, no motorcycles will be able to gain access to the procession after it begins. Motorcycles are not permitted to join in along the route. Law enforcement will be stationed at the beginning and end of the procession and also along the route to prevent vehicles from entering the bike line. All riders are asked to check-in and sign the official ride waiver, a raffle ticket will be provided.
Spectators are welcome to line Highway 78 in Loganville, GA heading toward Monroe, GA where folks welcome riders into the center of the City of Monroe along Highway 11. Mauldin swallows a lump in his throat as he explains, “You cannot imagine the feeling of patriotism and the patriotic sights you will see while riding in Ride For America. I have had riders tell me in the past that this is the best ride they have participated in due to the patriotic people who line the roads along the way.” The riders arrive in Madison, GA at approximately 11:00am for a patriotic ceremony led by the Madison American Legion Commander. After the ceremony all riders return to Loganville, GA where Post 233 hosts a BBQ lunch with door prizes, raffles, music, and family friendly fun.
Supporters who may be unable to ride, but would still like to donate to the cause, can safely donate at the organization’s website www.rideforamerica.org. Local businesses are welcome to sponsor this event and are encouraged to get in contact with the organizers at info@rideforamerica.org. All media sources are encouraged to attend this event. Please contact post233marketing@gmail.com for more information. Visit www.rideforamerica.org for more information.
