Legacy Run Day 1: A special stop in Oklahoma

On a day when temperatures in Southeast Oklahoma hit the mid- to high-90s, leading to a triple-digit heat index, more than 200 American Legion Riders on the Legacy Run didn’t blink an eye while standing out in the hot sun for a ceremony in Tuskahoma.

They were guests of the Choctaw Nation, there to lay a wreath to honor the Native Americans buried at the Choctaw Nation Veterans Cemetery and the multitude of others who have served in the U.S. military through the years.

On Sunday, Aug. 22, American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford and American Legion Auxiliary National President Nicole Clapp joined with Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton in laying a wreath at the cemetery’s memorial, as well as for a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

The Legacy Run stop at the cemetery meant a great deal to Bratton, the 47th chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which is the third-largest Indian tribe in the United States, 

“It is such an honor for me to have them come here,” Bratton said. “It makes me think of our Code Talkers … but it’s also humbling that they’re paying tribute to our tvshka, our warriors. There’s no other greater honor than that.

“For us, we’ve always stood for God and country. Yes, we’re a sovereign nation. But we’re Americans, too, and we’re proud and honored to be Americans. This here makes me swell up with pride as a Choctaw, as an Oklahoman and as an American.”

Assistant Choctaw Nation Chief Jack Austin Jr. served in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1991. He was moved by the tribute the Riders paid to Choctaw’s veterans, as well as the reason for the ride.

“Honor is one word, but to me, as a veteran, it’s emotional,” Austin said. “A lot of emotions are moving through me because they chose our location. Obviously we’re going to be honored and privileged that they did, but for me, the cause, that’s more emotional for me. I love it. As veterans, we continue to serve long after we’re out (of the military).”

Oxford said the opportunity to honor the Native American veterans recognizes “the Choctaw and other Native Americans for the service, sacrifice, dedication and things they’ve done to protect and serve this country. It’s just a way to recognize their service and make sure they understand ‘hey, we’re with you, we’re happy to be on your team and happy to have you on our team.’”

The Run Comes Home. During the stop in the Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma American Legion Riders Director Mike Marxa made a donation to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund on behalf of the department.

For Marxa, a veteran of several Legacy Runs, it was nice to see the ride finally come through his state and be a part of that effort, calling it “special.” And it gave others a chance to see a lush, green part of the state that many don’t picture when thinking of Oklahoma.

“When the (Legacy Run) map first came out, it said we would be going through the deserts of Durant,” Marxa said with a laugh. “This is the green part of the state. It’s pretty around here. It’s beautiful.”

Marxa has led two straight state Legacy Runs, with the 2020 version being the first ever for the Department of Oklahoma. But it was hard to miss the national 2020 Legacy Run because of the people he didn’t get a chance to see.

“They’re my brothers,” he said. “That’s about all you can say. They’re family. You might have some you don’t see for four or five years, and you see them in the crowd, and we’ll go up and give each other a hug.”

Greetings from the Top. When the Legacy Run made its stop at Fort Smith National Cemetery during the morning, they were greeted by none other than a fellow Legionnaire who happens to be the leader of the community.

Waiting for the ride was Fort Smith Mayor George McGill, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran and member of American Legion Post 31 in Fort Hill. For McGill, the stop in Fort Smith was “a natural stop for this ride. Fort Smith and this region are known as one of the hubs of the military. It means a lot. And our national cemetery is a model for the nation. We put a wreath on every grave during the month of December. We don’t stop celebrating our veterans.”

McGill joined with Oxford and American Legion Auxiliary President Nicole Clapp in laying a wreath at the cemetery. McGill called the 199 motorcycles and their passengers “an awesome sight. On behalf of Fort Smith, the Arkansas River Valley, all of our military veterans – many of them buried in this magnificent place – thank you so much for giving us the privilege of hearing the sound of freedom road through the River Valley.”

Other members of American Legion Post 31 were at the cemetery to greet the Riders and provide water. Post 31 Commander Bill Given said the post’s American Legion Family wanted to be there to support the ride in any way it could.

“We don’t have a (Riders chapter), but we support them,” said Given, who also serves as the District 13 commander for Arkansas. “It’s great they’re coming through here.”

Overdue Trip to Arkansas. The coronavirus pandemic canceled both of Clapp’s official national president visits to Arkansas. So the opening night and the morning session of the Legacy Run’s Day 1 have helped rectify that situation.

Clapp rode the entire day on Sunday, Aug. 22. At the wreath laying at Fort Smith, she praised the beauty of the cemetery and called the stop “what a gesture to recognize Arkansas and to recognize the American Legion Family. Standing here at Fort Smith National Cemetery … for me, this is my trip to Arkansas.”

Finally on the Run. The cancellation of the 2020 Legacy Run kept Oxford from taking part. He had to wait a year to experience it, but after one day he’s already got a pretty strong opinion of both the Run and its participants.

The national commander was the passenger on a trike driven by Army veteran and Evans, Ga., American Legion Riders Chapter 192 member Cindy Guthrie. He liked what he saw on the first day.

“I am so impressed with the dedication and commitment of these Riders,” Oxford said. “I mean, it’s hot. The conditions and environment are not always pleasant. But the commitment that they’ve got to this Legacy Run, and the willingness to sacrifice a little bit just to provide that help and support for those kids, it makes it all worthwhile. I’m blown away by the commitment and dedication of these Riders.”