Letter: A tour to show pride in veterans

Published 10:27 am Thursday, October 13, 2016

The 2016 Patriot Tour has had it final Flag ceremony in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on September 3, 2016.

“The Patriot Tour” who, what, when, where and why:

“We carry our nation’s flag city-to-city through all 48 Continental United States in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  The flag is transported on the back of a motorcycle and escorted by more than 150,000 riders over the course of the 100 days.  We raise funds for the wounded veterans and their families.”

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One hundred percent of the money raised directly benefits those in need.

As part of the Patriot Tour 2016 we would like to thank the communities of Austin and Albert Lea for all of their support; The Hormel Food Corp., The Mayo Clinic Health System, Austin Campus; Mrs. Gerry’s, The Mower County and Freeborn County Shoppers, The Austin Pizza Ranch, Bergdale Harley Davidson,  the VFW Gambling Post 1216, Austin, KAUS Radio Austin, KATE Radio Albert Lea KQPR Power 96 Radio, Jensales of Manchester for our printing needs, The Masonic Charities, Union Center of Albert Lea, and everyone who has been so very generous to the 2016 Patriot Tour.

Without your commitment to Combat Wounded Veterans, we never would have been able to complete this Tour. So many of you understand what it is like to have family or friends return from a Military Engagement with wounds and after effects of combat duty. Sadly, even more have experienced the loss of someone special. Your donations and your commitment to join us help show our Nation’s appreciation for the sacrifices our Veterans continue to make.

It is with great pride in the 6 years we have been part of the Patriot Tour we have been able to help 6 combat wounded veterans.  These soldiers put their life on the line every day for us—we must be thankful and grateful. If you see a veteran be sure to thank them for their service, buy them a meal, give them a hand shake whatever it takes let them know you and I are thankful.
We are proud Americans

Judy Renwick

The Albert Lea Hog Chapter