The American Legion Riders

The American Legion Riders are members of the American Legion who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. They can be found participating in parades, partaking in motorcycling events, and supporting the communities in which they live, work, and play. Members of the ALR come from the Legion, the Legion Auxilliary, and the Sons of the American Legion. The American Legion Riders were formed...

...to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are in keeping with the Aims and Purposes of the American Legion.
...to promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest.
...to use our Association to promote and support programs of the American Legion.

The American Legion Riders is not a M/C, and does not practice M/C rules or regulations. The American Legion Riders is family-oriented, just as is its parent organization: the American Legion.

The Southern Tier, NY Chapter

Our chapter was founded in 2005 at American Legion Post # 637 in Strykersville, NY. Although the chapter remained small and met only during the warmer months, it did retain sufficient membership to remain alive. It also started a chapter tradition that has continued into the present, which is holding its meetings at Noon on the 2^nd Sunday of the month followed by a group ride.

The following year, to maintain its Sunday meeting tradition, the chapter moved to American Legion Post #362 and began year round monthly meetings. In 2007, the chapter elected new leadership and began attracting new members from several Buffalo, NY area American Legion Posts, most of which were in southern Erie County. Then known as the East Aurora Chapter, it started running several motorcycle events that attracted the attention of both the American Legion and motorcycle communities. With a chapter purpose of serving veterans, in 2008 we began visiting vets in local nursing homes and initiated a motorcycle run that traveled to the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, NY where participating riders brought vets outside to see the motorcycles. Its membership went from 8 members in early 2007 to 61 members by the end of 2008. 

To better represent its membership from diverse home posts, in late 2008 the chapter changed its name to the Southern Tier Chapter. Also, in order to maintain its tradition of Sunday meetings plus rides, and with appropriate Sunday meeting space no longer available at the East Aurora American Legion Post, in January 2009 the chapter accepted the sponsorship and moved its base of operations to Orchard Park American Legion Post #567. Visits with veterans, motorcycle runs, a bike blessing, pancake breakfasts, actively participating in the local American Legion and motorcycle communities, and much more are a part of our annual activities. 

 
Legion Riders' Prayer

From our National Chaplain - Larry L. Vollink
10 November 2008

Almighty God, We give you thanks, for giving us a land of the free that we can enjoy riding through its beauty of trees, valleys and mountains and rivers. You have blessed us with good health to our bodies, minds and spirits, so that we can appreciate your awesome gifts of owning a bike to ride and friends and comrades that can appreciate the same. Help us to help those in need in their lives, so that they too can prosper in all that they are capable of doing and becoming for the glory of God. We ask for your safety and protection as we travel far and near and to unknown places. Make our lives to be good examples as a Legion Rider who cares about veterans and our troops who are serving, and Lord, be with their families right now. Especially at this time, be with those who are grieving for those who have given the Ultimate Sacrifice for their beloved country. Give each of us the strong sense of your presence and your guidance in all things. In your name we pray. AMEN

THE LEGION RIDER'S CREED

R	iders dedicate themselves to the success of the American Legion. I know that, through my efforts, I can make a difference.
I	alone am responsible for myself and to my fellow riders. I will conduct myself with the highest degree of integrity and honor.
D	eeds, not words, create change. I will persevere against any and all things that prevent my success. My resolve and strength will overcome all obstacles.
E	ach rider is first a member of the American Legion Family. I will actively participate in willingly support their endeavors.
R	eadily will I join other riders in activities and events which support our missions. I will do so gladly knowing I volunteered to be an American Legion Rider.
S	uccess is the only acceptable conclusion. I will allow nothing to dissuade me or impede me from service to my family, community, country and especially our Veterans.