The Honor Ride motorcycle rally/fundraising event began in 2010 as The Highground Fun Run with just a few bikes riding to The Highground from Hudson, WI as a way to inspire camaraderie among military Veteran motorcyclists on Memorial Day. With the help of Dave Keene and Mark Dawson during the first few years, developed into a ride with routes starting in Neillsville and Tomah, both concluding at the Highground prior to the Memorial Day Ceremony.
After a few years, the ride was renamed The Highground Honor Ride. In 2018, there were over 225 riders who raised over $12,000. All funds raised by the Honor Ride help The Highground improve Veteran programming for our Veterans and their families at no cost. These offerings along with the tranquility of The Highground are part of our continuing mission to help heal the wounds of war.
There are currently eight starting points across Wisconsin. These routes are independently organized and led by experienced ride leaders. Most of our ride leaders are military Veterans with others being strong Veteran supporters. Each route has been coordinated to take riders on scenic country roads with short fuel stops along the way. All routes come together at The Highground starting around 11:30am where they are welcomed with a meal and opportunities to win raffles.
At 2:15pm, riders can take one final ride together through Neillsville, returning to The Highground to honor those who never made it home and to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Memorial Day is one of the most important annual events at the Highground. Each year, the Wisconsin KIA and MIA names from Korea to the present day can be heard throughout the Park with a ceremony beginning at 3pm. It is attended by notable speakers and several hundred people to honor those who have lost their lives in service to our country. It is a day where together we pause for a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
