More than 200 motorcyclists roared into downtown Phoenix Friday, culminating a cross-country ride of 1,800 miles to make a college education possible for the children of thousands of U.S. military men and women who have died defending our freedoms since Sept. 11, 2001. Their goal: raising $350,000. The third annual American Legion Legacy Run kicked off Aug. 17 in Indianapolis and ran through seven states to the 90th American Legion National Convention in Phoenix that convenes Tuesday.
During their journey the Riders enjoyed both sunny and rainy days. And while soggy weather may have soaked them to the bone on occasion, it didn’t dampen their spirits. "There's no such thing as a bad day to ride, especially when we are riding to raise money to ensure a college education for children who have lost a mom or dad," said Phil Whitt of Birmingham Post 151. "Rain is just liquid sunshine."Mike Harper of New Haven Post 330 in Indiana agrees.
"It's pretty wet on the road," Harper said during a fuel stop in Shamrock, Texas. "But I can't think of a better reason to ride - rain or no rain." American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser, who traveled with the Riders, greeted them at each of their daily fuel stops, lunch stops and overnight stays to encourage the motorcyclists and to thank them.
"Legion Riders on the Legacy Run, and Legionnaires across the country, are raising funds to ensure that a higher education will be a reality for children who have lost a mom or dad," Conatser said. "Providing for the children of our military personnel who have paid the ultimate price for freedom is our civic duty, and an education is a powerful way to show our thanks."
At St. Robert Post 331 in Missouri, the Riders witnessed firsthand the impact of their efforts. Amy Sabalu and her two young children came out to thank the group. Sabalu's husband was killed in action in Afghanistan, and she said she is grateful to The American Legion and the Legion Riders that she doesn't have to worry about her children affording a college education. "I intended to explain the purpose of the Legacy Scholarship tonight, but there's little I can add," Conatser told those gathered at the post. "Amy and her children are what this is all about. What more can I say?"
Along the route, which followed the historic Route 66, Legionnaires made donations at lunch stops and during evening activities, along with providing food, bottled water and other support. By Wednesday, Riders had received more than $208,000 in contributions, and by the time they rolled into Phoenix on Thursday they had raised nearly $300.00. By the time a final check was presented on the floor of the convention Tuesday, the final tally exceeded 500,000 surging past the $350,000 goal. “Last year I jokingly said, I thought the riders did an outstanding job last year and I just expected them to do better for me. And they did!” Conatser told the attendees Tuesday afternoon.During the five-day run Riders stopped overnight in St. Robert, Mo., Oklahoma City, Tucumcari, N.M., and Gallup, N.M. Along the route, Legion posts played crucial supporting roles by manning fuel stops, coordinating with local law enforcement officials, and providing the road warriors with food and water.
While Legacy Run 2008 may be in the history books, it’s never too late to support the Legacy Scholarship Fund. For more information on how you can help provide a college education to the children of our fallen heroes, email Robert Caudell at rcaudell@legion.org.
From The American Legion Website
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