Today over 425 American Legion Riders programs, organized by chapters, districts, or departments, support Americanism and Children and Youth programs in virtually every state in the nation, and more are organizing each month. The American Legion Riders is not a M/C, and does not practice M/C rules or regulations. The American Legion Riders are family-oriented, just as its parent organization, the American Legion. Members of the ALR come from the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion.
The membership of the American Legion Riders are a very diverse group, as are the programs in which they are involved . By allowing each American Legion Rider Chapter to give their members the ability to manage their program at the Post level, the program has been allowed to grow. Today there are Legion Rider programs in all 50 states.
The Riders were initally formed to:
1. participate in parades and other ceremonies that uphold the Aims and Purposes of the American Legion.
2. promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest.
3. use our Association to promote and support all programs of the American Legion.
The American Legion Riders participated in the following activities throughout the year:
I. Rider chapters and districts nationally have become some of the most generous donors for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund, raising as much as $5,000 or more in a single event.
II. Riders participate in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial Day weekend in Washington D.C., known as "Rolling Thunder".
III. Riders sponsor or participate in local and national charity events in support of the sponsoring American Legion Post.
IV. Riders ride to raise money for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Home of the Brave, Heroes to Hometown, McVets, Battered Women and Children's Center, Children and Youth programs, Veterans Relief, Needy Families, and many others.
V. Legion Riders founded a national movement called the "Patriot Guard" that honors and protects the sanctity of military funerals and memorial services.
VI. Legion Riders have formed special motorcycle Honor Guards and ceremonial teams highlighting the special bonds formed in military service and the motorcycling community.
VII. Legion Riders have also begun to teach motorcycle and driver safety in the community and in schools in cooperation with ABATE and other national motorcycling organizations.
The American Legion Riders are a very dedicated group of Legion Family members. When your Post or district sponsors a new Riders organization, you create a win/win situation for your Post, District, and Department.
