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By William H. Sloan

The American Legion Legacy Run picked up some more Riders and machines overnight, and 140 machines roared out of Coralville, Iowa, under very dark clouds. It was a race to the west to try to get out from under the weather, and many Riders risked a soaking by leaving their rain gear packed. As it happened, rain continued to threaten the Run until just before the first gas stop in Des Moines, but the beautiful Iowa sun finally broke through and rewarded us with a break from the rain. Special thanks to Tom Hitchcock and his fuel team and traffic crew for a job well done.

Back on the bikes at Uncle Dick's air horn. 88 miles before lunch at Walnut, Iowa. What a great town. Barbecue sandwiches, as long as they lasted, and for the lucky few in the back of the line one of the ladies made up some delicious potato chip sandwiches. (Hey! Don't laugh. They were good.) Somehow more meat appeared and everyone had time to eat and stroll the pretty streets and shops. The post, located on the main street of the town, was very obviously a center of importance in Walnut. Well done, Iowa and Walnut Legionnaires!

Off to Nebraska. 115 miles to go for the next rest and chance to relieve sore muscles. But all pain and suffering were completely forgotten as we caught sight of children and adults lining the interstate, with rows of U.S. flags, American Legion Riders flags, welcoming us to the Cornhusker State. Within minutes we passed beneath two Nebraska overpasses, filled to capacity with men and women, even ROTC students and others in full uniform saluting us as we passed. I was aware that Nebraska was planning it, but even I was touched by the tremendous show of popular support for our cause. There must have been more than a dozen overpasses packed with people cheering us on...with that kind of support I felt sure that we will accomplish our goal.

More gas in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bob Swanson and his crew deserve accolades for successfully (and safely) getting us all gassed and watered. The sun was out in all its glory, and would remain out for the rest of they day. Then back on the bikes all too quickly for the last leg--a baking 103 mile trip to Grand Island, Neb., where police provide an escort for the six miles between the hotel and I-80. After checking in, we were escorted to the United Veterans Club for a great presentation and cold, cold water out of a semi-trailer provided by Affiliated Foods. They also invited National Commander Paul Morin to say a few words. He did, and in fact presented the company with a National Commander's certificate in exchange for $1,000 in donations. Then we rode a few blocks over to the Grand Island VA Center for a moving memorial dedication to Staff Sgt. Jeffery Hanson, who was killed in Iraq. The dedication was also attended by Gov. David Heinemann and Legionnaire Gary Wetzel, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War veteran.

One could sense a change in the Riders. They seemed more relaxed, but at the same time they were more focused on the tasks ahead. They were careful to check gear before rolling, or to assist nearby Riders with a loose strap or a misplaced pair of gloves or sunglasses. On Sunday they were a collection of individuals. Today they were forming into a team.

Editor’s Note: The American Legacy Run is a cross-country motorcycle ride to raise money for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. The scholarships help the children of U.S. servicemembers killed in the War on Terror attend college. The American Legacy Run is heading to Reno, Nevada, site of The American Legion’s 89th National Convention.

Photos of day two:

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