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The American Legion and USAA Return to Support Multi-State Motorcycle Run


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INDIANAPOLIS - August 10, 2015: Hundreds of motorcyclists will show their support for the children of America’s fallen servicemembers when they embark on the tenth annual American Legion Legacy Run.

“In addition to the dangers faced in combat, military service can be inherently dangerous”

American Legion National Commander Mike Helm will lead the American Legion Legacy Run from The American Legion national headquarters in Indianapolis to the 97th annual American Legion National Convention in Baltimore later this month.

The 4-day journey will cover approximately 1,000 miles and cross through Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Maryland as participants raise money and awareness for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship program, which helps fund college educations for the sons and daughters of military members who lost their lives while serving since 9/11. Established in October 2001, just one month after the terrorist attacks, The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund was one of the first established for this purpose.

The Legacy Run will begin in Indianapolis with a gathering of riders on Saturday, Aug. 16 for safety training and afternoon events hosted by the Indiana American Legion and the Indiana American Legion Riders. Sponsored by USAAź, The Legacy Run is one of the largest multistate, multiday cross-country motorcycle events in the United States.

The Run officially begins Aug. 23, with the Riders expected to arrive in Baltimore on the afternoon of Aug. 26.

“In addition to the dangers faced in combat, military service can be inherently dangerous,” Helm said. “Whether it’s due to combat, illness or accidents, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families. In some cases their chances to attend college have diminished. These children are entitled to receive some money from the government, but it is not nearly enough. We know we must assist. To us, it’s a sacred obligation.”

The Legacy Run will stop along the way for events arranged by American Legion posts and Legion Riders chapters along the route. Plans include lunches and dinners at American Legion posts, daily wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans memorials or nursing homes, and a special ceremony honoring the Flight 93 National Memorial Park near Shanksville, Pa.

American Legion posts and American Legion Riders chapters along the route also play an important role controlling rest stops, coordinating with local traffic officials and law enforcement officers, and helping with the logistics at a dozen or more refueling stops for as many as 400 motorcycles.

Registration is open to all licensed and insured motorcyclists.

Helm will be available throughout for local media promotional events and to collect donations along the way. Upon arrival in Baltimore, the Riders will enjoy Maryland hospitality with American Legion Post 22 in Towson, Md. for several days of group rides, visits to area American Legion posts, and an American Legion Rider meeting at the Towson post the morning after arrival. They will also lead the American Legion National Convention Parade on Aug. 30, through downtown Baltimore. Nearly 10,000 people each year attend the national convention.

Registration information is available at Legion Riders.

The registration fees and generous support from USAAź and other sponsors make the Legacy Run possible. Scholarship donations are not used. Every dollar donated is placed directly into The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. For information about the fund, visit Legacy Scholarships.