The Honor Ride is held on Memorial Day. There are currently several starting points for routes located around Wisconsin. More routes can be added with a group leader working with The Highground. These routes are independently organized and led by experienced, volunteer motorcyclist leaders. Scenic routes are taken with short fuel stops along the way. All the routes converge at the American Legion in Neillsville for raffles and then all the riders travel together through Neillsville where they are welcomed by a flag line at The Highground. At The Highground, riders are treated to a lunch and the 3pm Memorial Day Ceremony held outside on The Highground Plaza where we Honor the Fallen.
The Honor Ride began in 2010 with just a few bikes riding down from Hudson, WI. With the help of Dave Keene and Mark Dawson during the first few years, The Honor Ride—then known as The Highground Fun Run—developed into a ride with a routes starting in Neillsville and Tomah, both concluding at the Highground prior to the Memorial Day Ceremony. With every passing year, the ride grows with new routes, new opportunities and more community outreach throughout the state. We couldn’t organize these rides without the amazing partnerships we’ve developed with our route leaders and volunteers. After a few years, the ride was renamed to The Highground Honor Ride as the number of riders continued to increase. In 2018, there were over 225 riders who raised over $12,000. All funds raised by the Honor Ride will help The Highground improve PTS/PTSD programs, Veterans Retreats and more for our Veterans and their families at no cost. These offerings along with the tranquility of The Highground are part of the organization’s continuing mission to help heal the wounds of war.
The Memorial Day ceremony is one of the most important annual events at the Highground and is attended by notable speakers and several hundred people honoring those who have lost their lives in service to our country. It is a day where we pause for a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each year, the Wisconsin KIA and MIA names are read aloud along with the ringing of The Highground Liberty Bell.
