Legacy Run turns 10

For the past nine years, members of The American Legion Family and other riders have gathered at Wayne Post 64 in Indianapolis to start a four-day journey that covers more than 1,000 miles to help children of U.S. servicemembers killed on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The Legacy Run raises funds for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships to the children.

After America was attacked on 9/11, The American Legion realized that there was going to be a need to help the children of our soldiers that answered the final call, and so the Legacy Scholarship Fund was formed. Children of soldiers killed while on active duty since 9/11 can apply for a college scholarship from the fund each year they are in college for undergraduate studies. More than $1 million was raised during 2014 Run and nine Legacy Runs have now raised more than $5 million for the fund.

This year, the Legacy Run will start on Aug. 23 at Post 64 and will end on Aug. 26 in Towson, Md., for the 2015 National Convention in Baltimore. While a final route is still in discussion, we know hundreds of motorcyclists will once again be riding to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help our heroes children.

Because many American Legion Riders are Sons of The American Legion members, SAL members and squadrons support Legacy Scholarship Fund. Last year the SAL raised almost $200,000 for the fund. This is my third Legacy Run and for me the ride will start in Indy, but it will end up in my backyard. I hope to see you there!