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 volunteer experienced motorcyclist leaders. Scenic routes are taken with short fuel stops along the way. All the routes converge at the American Legion in Neillsville for fun & raffles, then the entire Honor Ride rides together through Neillsville and is 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 Highground Memorial Day Honor Ride Motorcycle Rally began in 2010 with just a few bikes riding down from Hudson, WI. In the first few years, with the help of Dave Keene and Mark Dawson, The Honor Ride – then known as The Highground Fun Run – developed into a Ride with a route starting in Neillsville and one in Tomah, both ending at the Highground prior to the Memorial Day ceremony. Each year it expands with new routes, new opportunities, and more community outreach throughout the State. We couldn’t do these rides without the wonderful partnerships of our route leaders and volunteers. Within a few years the ride was renamed to “The Highground Honor Ride” with increasing number of riders each year. In 2018 there were over 225 riders who raised over $12,000. All funds raised by the Honor Ride go directly to the many programs at The Highground that offer healing & education to veterans, their families and all who visit.
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 to take a moment and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Each year the names of those who have been KIA or MIA are read aloud, with the liberty bell being rung along with the names.
