Emporia’s American Legion Post 5 opened its doors to more than 60 members of the American Legion Riders as they made their way through town as part of a special ride Saturday.
The ninth annual Kansas Legacy Ride began in Mulvane this past weekend passing through Emporia for lunch before making its way to Osage City where riders visited the Osage City Veterans Memorial before moving on to Ottawa. The ride will conclude in McPherson and is one of many state legacy rides supporting the Veterans and Children Foundation which supports military and veteran parents through financial hardships.
Previously, the state and national rides supported the Legion’s Legacy Scholarship fund which assists children of veterans who were either killed or severely wounded in action. Legion Rider Chris Krueger tells KVOE News the ride shifted focus in causes last year after the legion reached a fundraising milestone for the Legacy Scholarship.
During their stop in Emporia Saturday, riders had time to meet with local legion members who prepared lunch and made a $500 contribution to the fundraising efforts. Post 5 Commander Clay Childs says more than just raising funds for needed causes, the legacy ride is also a great opportunity to dispel certain “stereotypes” many might have about the American Legion.
Also while speaking with KVOE News, Childs extended his gratitude to the Emporia Police Department who offered an escort for the riders both upon their arrival and departure. The national legacy ride is just around the corner and will launch on Sunday, August 18 from Independence, Missouri.
The national ride will conclude on Thursday, August 22 in New Orleans.
Click here for a video of the American Legion Riders arriving in Emporia.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
