In the fall of 1993, 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 togethe
r. In 2003, Florida adopted the Riders program and in October of 2007, Resolution 35 was adopted, and the American Legion Riders became a National program of The American Legion. Members of the American Legion Riders are involved in many diverse programs. By allowing each American Legion Rider 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 many Legion Rider programs in several states, and many more forming. Some of the ways the Legion Riders support our community is by:
•Participation in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as “Rolling Thunder”.
•Sponsoring or participating in local Charity events and providing Community Service.
•Raising 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.
•Sponsoring or participating in motorcycle “Runs” to benefit numerous charities, including charities for underprivileged children and medical research, just to name a few.
•Participation in memorial ceremonies and community parades.
