VFW: It’s an honor!

Jul 15, 2023

Back in the day of the wild 60's, if people saw a whole horde of motorcycles coming down their streets, doors would be slammed and locked, shades drawn and children were sent to the safest spot in the house. Merchants put up their storm shutters, double locked doors and called the local police. These were the times of Hell's Angels motorcycle gangs.

Nowadays, if a large group of motorcycles are carousing down city streets or the open highways, people are standing on the sidelines, waving and clapping. What's the difference? The majority of today's cyclists are members of an elite organization known as Riders. The Riders belong to either an American Legion or a VFW. To become a Rider, one must be a member in good standing of the VFW, the American Legion, the Auxiliary of either place, a DAV member, or a Sons of the American Legion.

When they are on a ride, it is almost always a special mission. Many times the Riders will form an honor guard for a military person who has given the ultimate sacrifice, or join together just to welcome home a veteran who has completed serving his or her term in the service.

The Riders have also been known to ride miles to raise funds for a certain community cause, and also show up in complete leather regalia to participate in different Post functions. There is no requirement for a specific motorcycle, and the styles of all of them are varied and fascinating! The American Flag adorns the bikes and seeing her colors waving in the breeze as the bikes are moving is a beautiful sight.

It's an honor to belong to this worthy organization and if you are wanting to send a salute to a returning veteran, or have the Riders at a life celebration, call the VFW at 25 S. Homestead Road in Lehigh Acres. The phone number is 239-369-5100 and let them know what your needs are. Our Riders are very helpful and as always, would be glad to let you know more about their organization.

Give them a call. You’ll be glad you did!