Heidi’s Heroes August Edition: VJ Day, Veterans MCs & The Legacy Fund
August 14th: it’s right around the corner, and for many Connecticut residents, it’s a very special date: the day we observe V-J Day, also known as Victory Over Japan Day. August 14, 1945, was the day on which the Allies announced the surrender of Japanese forces during World War II. Millions rejoiced, and at one of the subsequent celebrations in Times Square, the famous Alfred Eisenstaedt photo of the Navy sailor kissing a white-clad nurse was snapped. Although relatively few Americans today actually know what V-J Day stands for, most can instantly recognize this iconic image which captured the jubilation of our nation.
V-J Day was established by President Harry Truman in a 1946 proclamation. Astonishingly, despite the historical and patriotic significance of this special day, Rhode Island is the last remaining state in the nation which observes V-J Day in an official capacity. Here in Connecticut, the American Legion sponsors the last known V-J Day Parade in the country. It takes place every year in a tiny village near the Rhode Island border called Moosup, features hundreds of marching units and regularly attracts upwards of 10,000 spectators.
As with any patriotic event, the parade is not without its critics. Some decry the continued observation, questioning its modern-day relevance. However, according to Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, approximately 1,000 World War II vets die every day. To the critics, a once a year parade may be an annoyance. But to veterans, their families and supporters, it’s a cherished, emotional tribute to the ever-vanishing Greatest Generation.
V-J Day holds personal significance for me for many reasons, most obviously because of my work as a veterans advocate. It’s also near and dear to my heart because both of my grandfathers served with distinction in World War II. One was a Navy pilot, the other an Army infantry soldier. I am fiercely proud of both of their contributions to the war effort and much of my advocacy for veterans is motivated by that family pride. Lastly, V-J Day is special for me because it’s the anniversary of the day the motorcycle community opened its arms to me- and hasn’t let go since!
Everyone has a different story of how they came to be involved in the motorcycling community. The motivating forces are as unique to each person as the bikes they ride. For me, it all started on V-J Day 2006 when I was riding in the parade as Miss Connecticut 2006. Every Miss Connecticut rides in the V-J Day parade, so I was carrying on the tradition. It was a hot summer day and I was wearing a flowing chiffon dress… hardly “biker babe” attire!
After a mile and a half of waving, smiling and tossing candy, the parade ended at the American Legion Post 91. I hopped off my perch atop FX Crowley’s bright yellow Chevy SSR and to my delight was greeted by a crowd of leather-clad bikers adorned in military insignia. It was the American Legion Riders! They asked if I would mind taking a photo with them, and without hesitating- chiffon dress, stilettos and all- I hopped right on a Harley-Davidson, its pipes still hot from the slow parade crawl.
The rest, as they say, was history. Soon after, I rode on Roy Kellem’s bike in my first official ALR ride, escorting the Vietnam Traveling Wall into Connecticut. I was hooked. Two weeks before I left for the Miss America pageant, the guys surprised me at the American Legion Mid-Winter Conference with my own official colors. As I stood up there facing a crowd of applauding veterans, I burst into tears. These were the men and women I lived to serve. They were my personal heroes, welcoming me into their family. It was the highest honor of my year of service.
People weren’t used to seeing a “beauty queen” hanging out with a bunch of bikers, and the media had some fun with it. This was from Newsmax magazine.
It’s been four years since and I’m still involved with the Riders. I’m an active member of the Legion Auxiliary and keep myself busy with many different veterans service projects. Although the State Chapter of the Legion Riders has dissolved, the group is still active, riding instead through their local Posts. I still have my State Chapter vest, though. I’ll keep it for the rest of my life. It has an American flag sewn right above my heart. Uncle Gerry had The Slipper Lady embroider two simple words above the P.O.W./M.I.A. patch on my chest that really say it all: “I Care.” I care about my veterans, I care about my bikers, and I always will. They are my family.
“Me and the boys”: after speaking at a Legion Riders State Chapter meeting, 2006. I was escorted to the podium! These guys have always been perfect gentlemen and treated me like a daughter. People who negatively stereotype bikers as “bad” couldn’t be more wrong.
The most amazing thing about the Legion Riders and other groups like them is that they’re comprised of people who have not only served, but continue to serve. These people are remarkable: they served honorably, they sacrificed so much… but they still haven’t stopped. They’re out there every day, working to support veterans, active duty military personnel and their families- and best of all, they’re doing it on motorcycles! Whether it’s the Patriot Guard Riders, the Leathernecks, the Silent Service MC, the Vietnam/Legacy Vets MC, Combat Veterans MA, or the many other veterans riding groups out there, these men and women are walking the talk every day. For them, meaningful support for our troops means a lot more than a bumper sticker on a car.
One person who exemplifies this commitment to our troops is my “Uncle Gerry”, Gerry Wright, the former director of the Legion Riders State Chapter. Gerry is a retired 1st Sergeant, US Army, who served in Vietnam with the 19th Combat Engineers Battalion. As a disabled veteran, he owns and operates his own business on top of all his charitable endeavors. And on August 4th, he’s hosting a Cruise Night at Connecticut Trailers to benefit the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.
Me and Uncle Gerry at the Officers Club after participating in Welcome Home Vietnam Vets Day ceremony at the State Capitol.
The Legacy Fund was established to provide college scholarships to ensure that children who have lost a parent at war receive the education they deserve. The Legion Riders are one of the fund’s biggest donors, contributing more than a million dollars since creating their annual Legacy Run motorcycle rally in 2006.
The Legacy Run raises money to benefit the scholarship fund. This year’s Run will leave Indianapolis on August 22 and make stops in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin before ending up in Milwaukee for the 92nd American Legion National Convention.
This will be Gerry Wright’s third time doing the Legacy Run, but this time, he’ll be carrying more than the gear in his saddlebag. This year, he’ll be carrying a special soldier in his heart as he rides in memory of fallen hero Edwin Rivera. This 28 year old CT National Guard Staff Sergeant served with the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment. He was serving his second tour in Afghanistan when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire at Contingency Outpost Xio Haq. He passed away from his injuries on May 25th.
SSgt Rivera’s widow gave Gerry permission to ride in his honor, because Rivera’s two sons, Rolando and Lorenzo, will one day become recipients of the Legacy Fund scholarship. Gerry’s Pre-Ride Cruise Night fundraiser on August 4th will take place from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Connecticut Trailers. If you have a muscle car, hot rod, custom, antique, custom motorcycle, custom truck, racecar, quarter midget or racing kart please bring it on down! Prizes and a 50/50 raffle will benefit the American Legion Legacy Fund. There will be a DJ, food, and the current Miss Connecticut 2010 Brittany Decker will be on hand along with local and state officials. (I’ve also been volun-told that I might have to make an appearance in the dunk tank again this year!)
The rain date is August 11th, same time, same place. Connecticut Trailers is located at 7 Bolton Center Road at the corner of Rte 6 & 44 at Rte 85. Whether you’re cruising on a Harley or a hot rod, stop on by, wish Gerry well on the 2010 Legacy Ride and help support the veterans serving veterans in our communities.
See you there!
Heidi
