18th annual Legacy Run kicks off Aug. 18

It’s that time of year again.

On Aug. 18, around 230 or so motorcyclists and their passengers will depart Independence, Mo., and set out on an 1,100-mile journey that will raise funds to assist military and veterans’ children in need, as well as provide valuable training for a critical American Legion component.

The annual Legacy Run will depart the Tirey J. Ford Post 21 in Independence and travel through Arkansas and Mississippi before finishing up at American Legion Post 267 in Jefferson, La. – just outside of New Orleans, the site of the 2024 American Legion National Convention.

This year’s ride will benefit the American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF). The foundation feeds and houses children of military personnel and veterans facing urgent, unexpected hardships through Temporary Financial Assistance grants. These grants prevent eviction, keep the power on and fulfill basic needs to hold a family together through difficult times.

The VCF also covers rigorous training and accreditation costs for American Legion claims experts who provide free representation for veterans and families applying for disability benefits, survivor assistance, GI Bill opportunities and more.

Here are some the daily highlights:

·        Day 1: There’s a stop at the Missouri Veterans Home, but on the way the ride will pick pick up the AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall and escort that to the veterans home. There’s also a stop at Table Rock Lake Post 637, which is near Branson, Mo.).

·        Day 2: The Riders will make a stop at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where longtime Kansas Legion Rider and Legacy Run participant Dave Schoonover served on the board for 22 years. Schoonover died after being involved in a motorcycle accident on his way to the 2022 Legacy Run. The ride also will traverse historic Highway 23, known as the Pig Trail, down to Russellville, Ark. There, the city is going to have the entire entertainment district opened up for the Riders, which will include food and live music.

·        Day 3: The ride starts out on historic Scenic 7 Byway on the way to Malvern, Ark., where participants will have lunch at the Boys & Girls Club. At the end of that day, the Legacy Run will stop at Duck Commander, and the Robertson family from “Duck Dynasty” is going to be there to provide everyone with a duck call.

·        Day 4: The day will include a lengthy stop to allow riders to explore the historic city of Vicksburg, Miss.   From there, the ride will travel to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center for an overnight stay.

·        Day 5: The ride will travel into the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery to honor the veterans there, and then ride into the entrance to The Causeway bridge to travel the 23-mile bridge across the heart of Lake Pontchartrain into Jefferson Parish.

Remember to follow the Legacy Run via the National American Legion Riders Facebook page, and on X and Instagram, using the hashtag #LegacyRun2024.