NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The ninth annual Patriot Tour, a 110-day, 14,500-mile journey during which motorcycle riders carry our nation’s flag city-to-city through all 48 continental states to raise money for disabled veterans and their families, launches on Saturday, May 19 from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, confirmed Bill Sherer, founder and executive director of The Nation of Patriots.
Throughout the 110-day journey more than 150,000 riders nationwide, including many from all parts of New York, are expected to participate in the Patriot Tour, that departs Mt.Ephraim, New Jersey on August 17 headed to New Rochelle. The flag passes through New York as follows:
August 17: New Rochelle (Empire Harley-Davidson, 28 Industrial Ln)
“It’s important for people to understand that every dollar they contribute to this effort is put directly into the hands of disabled vets and their families,” Sherer said. “The Nation of Patriots is an entirely volunteer-run organization, so 100 percent of the money raised benefits those for whom it is intended.”
In 2017, just shy of $250,000 was raised with funds distributed to 67 families of disabled veterans across 18 states, he said. This year’s goal is $300,000 and contributions of any size are welcome at nationofpatriots.org/donate. Riders are welcome too, Sherer said. Each rider is asked to register in advance and make a $5 donation that is included in the funds raised throughout the Tour for distribution to the families of disabled veterans.
“The Patriot Tour is a unified tribute to each and every one of our nation’s veterans, military personnel and their families,” he said. “We understand their sacrifices and stand in awe of the contributions they have made and do make every day so that all Americans may enjoy the many freedoms for which this great country stands.”
On Saturday, September 8 the flag returns to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin bookending the Tour’s journey. A complete routing schedule for the flag can be found at www.nationofpatriots.com/tour.