Madison’s American Legion Calvin George Post 37, alongside Loganville’s Post 233, hosted the 27th annual Ride for America on Memorial Day, May 26.
Three hundred motorcyclists made the trip from Loganville’s Post 233 to Madison Town Park for the ceremony.
Despite the cloudy weather, hundreds of citizens from Madison and Loganville attended the event this year. The ceremony started on time due to the calmer weather, whereas last year’s event was delayed by 15 minutes due to rain.
This year’s ceremony featured several speakers representing both Madison and Loganville.
Fred Perriman, mayor of Madison, spoke briefly during Monday’s ceremony to welcome visitors from both cities.
“Today, we pay special tribute to our fallen servicemen and women for their courage, dedication, and sacrificing their lives for our country,” Perriman said. “If words cannot repay the debt we owe these men and women, surely with our actions, we must strive to keep faith with them and the vision that led them to bow and to the final sacrifice.”
In his speech, Perriman emphasized the significance of the holiday as a “day of contemplation” and a time to recognize the contributions of veterans.
“For we ask ourselves, where would we be without the personal sacrifice made by these great men and women? Not only did they sacrifice for our country, for our nation, but they sacrificed for their families, whom they left behind to fight for freedom,” Perriman said. “We also acknowledge our veterans and active servicemen and women, for only they can truly understand the sacrifice of their comrades in arms. To all of you, please accept our heartfelt thanks.”
Stan Mauldin, leader of Ride for America, spoke during Monday’s ceremony, expressing gratitude for the event’s success over the years. Similar to his speeches at previous year’s events, he shared insights on the “promises” he made when taking on the position of leader and co-commander.
“I promise we will continue to remember those men and women on Memorial Day who lost their lives for our freedoms, we will continue to help our active military and their families with the funds that we raised from Ride for America, and we will help veterans and their families after discharge that have service-connected health issues from their service,” Mauldin said. “I can honestly say that with your support, we’ve been able to keep those three promises.”
According to Mauldin, he isn’t in charge of “all the decisions” of Ride for America anymore but remains committed to making sure the event keeps its promises to the community. He also mentioned that funds from the annual event helped the organization “develop military families” and “save houses and homes for them.”
“We have made some promises that we do, not only from the Legion but from Legion riders and Ride for America, of course,” Mauldin said. “Because of you turning out today, those funds are definitely going toward the right organizations.”
In his closing remarks, Mauldin told the crowd that freedom is paid for by the sacrifices soldiers make for the country.
“I want to end by telling you, and you know this because of this day that you’re celebrating here, freedom is not free,” Mauldin said. “If you know a family member who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, call them and tell them you love them.”
Angela Blank, founder of the Veterans Community Fund and member of Loganville’s Operation Rally Point, was designated this year’s Ride For America grand marshal.
“This is my first grand marshal opportunity, and it was a very special one, for sure,” Blank said. “I’m grateful that I was able to do it. Over the years, I learned that Memorial Day can be a day of grief, but it can also be a day of celebration by reflecting on those we’ve lost and celebrating the courage of their service so that we can live freely.”
Blank also spoke to the crowd as the wife of a veteran. She credits her husband’s service with helping her realize the importance of the holiday.
“Once he was deployed, I realized the sacrifices and the commitment that not only the military members but the families had to go through,” Blank said. “Memorial Day is every day, and we should remember these families, and we remember these men and women who have died in service.”