What are the American Legion Riders?

Started as simply an enjoyable post activity now a commission of the Department of California for Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, and SAL members through—out the state who enjoy motorcycle riding—and ideal way to support The American Legion's programs.

Since motorcycle riding is becoming a popular free time and social activity, Posts and Departments can benefit from the growing popularity of The American Legion Riders (ALR) as a way to connect and communicate across the Nation. As the membership of the ALR is a very diverse group, so are the programs that they are involved in. By allowing each American Legion Rider Chapter to give their members the ability to manage their programs at the Post level, the program has been allowed to grow. Today there exist nearly 100 Legion Rider programs in more than 32 states, and more are organizing each year. The types of things that the groups are doing are far too many to mention in this space, but here are a few examples:

• 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 in support of the sponsoring American Legion Post
• 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, or the September 11 Legacy Scholarship Fund, just to name a few
• Participation in countless memorial ceremonies and community parades
• One group is even spearheading an effort to erect a "Veterans Memorial Park" in the center of their Downtown area
• Legion Riders are also an excellent tool to teach motorcycle and driver safety in the community and in schools.

The recognition and acceptance of ALR groups by local communites has been remarkable. The American Legion Riders in Garden City, Michigan was even honored by the local city council, where they drafted a resolution declaring the American Legion Reders post as a valuable asset to the community.

To join the Legion Riders, persons must own a motorcycle and be eligible to join the American Legion, the Sons of the Legion, or the American Legion Auxiliary. To join the American Legion Family, a person must be a military veteran or the spouse, mother, child, grandchild, or sibling of a veteran.

Remember: Motorcyclists can be a very dedicated group of people. When they are also American Legion Family members, you create a win/win situation for your post and community!

Cheryl Stewart, Commander
American Legion Post 12
P.O. Box 213 Selma, CA 93662

Please click the link below for more general information about The American Legion.
http://www.legion.org/

If your primary interest is with the American Legion Riders this link will be the one you are looking for:

http://www.legion.org/riders

If your interests are within the state of California but outside reasonable travel to our post please click the link below.
http://www.calegion.org/