“Welcome home.”

These simple words have a special significance for many of you, simply because they may not have been spoken when they were needed the most.

A generation ago our great nation was divided over a war not completely understood by many Americans. Some wrongly blamed the warrior for the war, and too often attacked the very men and women who heeded the call to serve. Some of our honored veterans have never completely healed from these attacks.

Today, amid a spirited debate on how best to conduct the war on terrorism, a much wiser nation stands united in support of all the members of our armed forces as they continue to fight valiantly in defense of our values, our freedoms, and our families.

Americans are once again celebrating our returning heroes with public acclaim and pride not seen in many of our lifetimes. Many of the most significant and emotional of these events have been planned and led by The American Legion Riders.

At times our national anguish has been expressed through the roar of motorcycle engines and the determination of American Legion Riders who first gathered to protect the sanctity of military funerals against those who wish disgrace on our fallen. This “patriot guard” succeeded in its mission and now rides in tribute to the families of our fallen heroes.

It has been said that every war generation introduces a fundamentally new direction for The American Legion. World War I veterans brought an undying dedication to the welfare of veterans that led to the formation of the Veteran’s Administration itself. World War II Legionnaires gave us the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, or the “GI Bill of Rights”, one of the greatest pieces of social legislation ever passed by Congress.

And now, through The American Legion Riders, with nearly 600 chapters reported in virtually every state in the nation, the generation that served America so faithfully during the Vietnam War has set a new direction for our organization, with a renewed call for all Americans to answer: Never forget the warrior. Never forget our POW and MIA. And never, ever forget our comrades.

Welcome home.

Paul A. Morin
National Commander

The American Legion Riders—truly “Riding For America’s Future”.