On Sat., Aug. 21, approx. 111 riders gathered for the 21st Annual Ride to Remember^® at the American Legion in Neillsville. Throughout the day, riders enjoyed scenic rides around Clark and Jackson County backroads and even some on the ATV trails. As the majority of the riders took the traditional parade route through Neillsville, several stopped at Strike Time Restaurant & Lanes where they were welcomed by Veterans organization Every Third Saturday’s event guests. The band Home Free dedicated a patriotic song for their efforts in supporting Veterans.

As the riders arrived at The Highground, they were greeted by the ringing of The Highground Liberty Bell and served BBQ pork and fixings; a short ceremony followed. Chris Pettis, Executive Director, reminded all present of the tremendous sacrifices made by those who “put on the uniform and took the oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic.”

Through registrations, donations, raffles and sponsorships, the event raised $6,662. These funds will help support the Veterans programs The Highground offers at no cost to Veterans and their families. 

The Highground extends their gratitude to all the sponsors, volunteers and others who support for the ride including: Missy and Paul Hubing of Neillsville, Bill Flemal with VFW 7th Dist. Riders and Ray Gjerdahl with Rolling Thunder Chapter 4 for leading the rides; all the volunteers; Celia Sturzl, Taps; Sarah Baldridge, National Anthem; Skip Klabon, Invocation; American Legion Post #324 and Sons of American Legion Squad #324, Osseo; Mavis Burkhalter, Cummins Filtration, Neillsville; Redline Design and Sign, Osseo; Riverside Auto Sales & Riverside Rentals, Black River Falls; Theisen’s Home-Farm-Auto, Black River Falls; Bar BK Leather, Thorp; Cannabis Cultivators of Clark County LLC, Neillsville; Marks Made 4 U Furniture and more, Neillsville; American Legion Post #73; the Neillsville Police Dept; Falls Meat Services, Inc., Pigeon Falls; Central Wisconsin Broadcasting; Close Up Apparel, Eau Claire; WWIS; and all the past and present riders.  

The 22nd Annual Ride to Remember, scheduled for Sat., Aug. 20, is already off to a great start with Veteran supportive organizations joining the planning process. Advocates are invited to mark their calendars.

Information about upcoming events, news and more is available on our Calendar of Events.