Loganville American Legion Post 233 gears up for the 28th annual Memorial Day Ride for America

The annual Ride for America, “Thunder in the County,” will once again roll out of American Legion Post 233 in Loganville this Memorial Day, continuing a tradition that has become one of the largest Memorial Day motorcycle rides in the Southeast.

Organized by the American Legion Riders, the event honors America’s fallen military service members while raising money for scholarships, veterans programs and local charities. Riders will travel from Loganville through Walton County communities including Monroe, Social Circle and Rutledge before ending in Madison for a Memorial Day ceremony. The riders will then return to Loganville, under escort both ways, for food trucks, drinks, music and prizes in a Memorial Day celebration at Post 233.

The ride began in 1999 with just 47 motorcycles traveling from the Monroe Fairgrounds to Madison to honor veterans and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. Over the years, the event has grown dramatically, with recent rides drawing hundreds — and at times more than 1,000 — motorcycles and support vehicles. Several years ago, the start moved to the American Legion Post 233 for a spectacular start out of the Post and up Highway 78 toward Monroe. It is a colorful array of red, white and blue, American flags, POW flags and other patriotic tributes to those who gave all in sacrifice for the freedoms that American hold dear.

Ride for America has become a Memorial Day tradition across Walton and surrounding counties, with residents often lining the route waving American flags as the riders pass. Organizers say the event is about patriotism, remembrance and ensuring younger generations understand the sacrifices made by military members and their families. 

Funds raised through the annual ride support initiatives including the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which helps provide educational assistance for children of fallen veterans, as well as support for local veterans in need.

The cost is $10 per bike and $5 for a passenger. For more information call Stan Mauldin at 770-978-1739 or rfa@post233.air.com or visit www.rideforamerica.org.