The American Legion Legacy Run will hit the road Sunday, starting in Mobile, Alabama, and traveling more than 1,200 miles through seven states. The 16th annual iteration of the Legacy Run will raise money that will benefit the children of disabled veterans and fallen military personnel who served in the post-9/11 era . For more information, read the press release below.
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 18, 2022) – More than 275 motorcycles are expected to pass through seven states over 1,200 miles from Aug. 21-25 during The American Legion Legacy Run, one of the largest and longest organized motorcycle group rides in the United States.
The Legacy Run’s annual mission is to raise money for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, benefiting the children of disabled veterans and fallen military personnel who served in the post-9/11 era. The Legacy Run was developed by The American Legion Riders, a group well known for its charitable work, raising millions of dollars for children’s hospitals, schools, veterans homes, wounded servicemembers, and scholarships.
This year’s ride begins with an opening ceremony at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, on Aug. 21, featuring speakers and leaders from The American Legion, the city of Mobile, and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2022 Legacy Run will conclude at American Legion Post 434 in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on Aug. 25, where Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel will welcome the riders.
Along the way, the ride will stop at monuments, memorials, and American Legion posts in Lauderdale County and Tupelo, Mississippi; Humboldt, Tennessee; Mayfield and Paducah, Kentucky; Perryville, Missouri; St. Libory, Bloomington, and Marseilles, Illinois; and Union Grove before ending in Oak Creek.
In its 21st year, the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund has collected more than $15 million, including $1.14 million in 2021 alone. The fund provides college scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed while serving on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as children of post-9/11 veterans with a combined Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 50% 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 E. Dillard, American Legion’s national commander. “Wave a flag or join us at one of our many stops. With over 275 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 and challenges of military service.
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During the trip, 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, and the new “Be The One” initiative with the community and local media. Dillard, who will participate in the 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 and American Legion Legacy Run
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 servicemembers and veterans. Nearly three million American Legion Family members in more than 12,500 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.
For more information on the Legacy Run, email legacyrun@legion.org or visit the following websites:
