Legacy Run hits the road Aug. 21

The 2011 American Legion Legacy Run doesn't officially get under way until Aug. 21, but Aug. 20 will be a full day for participants.

Road captains, assistant road captains and tail gunners will start Abate Training at Kenneth N. Dowden Wayne American Legion Post 64 in Indianapolis before moving to a training range. Registration for the run starts at 11 a.m. at Post 64 and lasts until 4:30 p.m. that day as well. Various run team meetings will also occur in preparation for the event.

All participants will be briefed at 4:30 p.m., and opening ceremonies follow at 5 p.m. National Commander Jimmie L. Foster and National Adjutant Daniel S. Wheeler will speak during the ceremony; American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund donations also will be accepted. Post 64 will host a dinner for the run participants.

The Legacty Run begins at 8 a.m. Aug. 21. It will cover 1,225 miles and include stops in Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin before arriving in Minneapolis.

A goal of raising $450,000 for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund has been established for the run.

In five years, the Legacy Run has raised more than $2 million for the fund that provides the college financial support for children of servicemembers killed on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

The listing of rider groups, both by last name and by group, is now available here.