American Legion Riders invite potential members to meeting April 27

They ride their motorcycles to honor active military members and veterans alike, during deployments, charity events, funerals and more. They are the American Legion Riders and Cloquet is now home to the first chapter in the Northland.

Since the groups inaugural meeting March 30 at American Legion Post 262 in Cloquet, the group has attracted more than a dozen members from Cloquet, Duluth and beyond. They’re hoping even more folks will join at the group’s second meeting, set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the American Legion Post, 1216 Cloquet Ave., Cloquet.

Membership is open to current members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion. This membership is not designed to exclude family and friends, but to comply with the constitutional requirements of the supporting post or department, which must adhere strictly to American Legion directives as well as local, state and federal laws regarding veteran, civic and fraternal organizations.

Second Director Mary Gittings – the group’s only female member so far – said they ride for fun and to guide and/or guard military members. Each chapter manages its programs at the post level where they develop programs and activities that specifically address the needs of local communities. Riders can sponsor or participate in motorcycle runs to benefit numerous charities; participate in local ceremonies and events; escort military units to departure airports for combat tours overseas and welcome them home upon their return. Riders can also, if requested, ride to honor fallen military men and women and to protect the sanctity of their funerals from those who would dishonor them.

Since the initial chapter of the American Legion Riders was established in Michigan in 1993, the organization has grown across the nation involving 106,000 motorcycle enthusiasts. The American Legion Riders was officially recognized by the American Legion in 2007.

Since 2006 various Riders chapters have participated in the Legion Legacy Run which raises scholarship funds for the children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001.

More information about the local chapter of the American Legion Riders can be obtained by contacting Darold Powers at 218-384-4462, Mary Gittings at 218-879-2284, or by calling American Legion Post 262 in Cloquet at 218-879-3204.

~ American Legion Riders press release

Tags: news, updates, transportation, cloquet