Hundreds of motorcyclists will take the concept of "veterans helping veterans" to a new level next week when The American Legion Riders kick off the third annual American Legion Legacy Run to raise money for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship program. The riders, who are wartime veterans themselves, will travel 1,800 miles to make possible a college education for the children of those who have died defending our freedoms since September 11, 2001.

National Commander of The American Legion Marty Conatser will lead the American Legion Legacy Run which will begin in Indianapolis and run through seven states to the 90th Annual National American Legion Convention in Phoenix that convenes on August 26.

According to Conatser, the American Legion Legacy Scholarship program is one way for all Americans to show their deep appreciation for those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

"As an unfortunate consequence of America's war on terror, many children of our military personnel are now members of single-parent families," he said. "In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. Children of our heroes who die on active duty are entitled to receive some money toward a college education, but it is not enough."

The Riders goal is to raise $350,000 for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

"We are raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families," Conatser said. "Providing for the children of our military personnel left behind is our civic duty, and an education is a powerful way to show our thanks."

According to American Legion Legacy Run event planners, more than 200 motorcycle riders and 65 passengers are expected to make the entire five-day journey. Legionnaires at posts along the route, which will be run along the famous Route 66, will provide support in the form of food and bottled water.

Conatser also asks American Legion posts and Legion Riders from all over the country to conduct a national fundraising effort on behalf of The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

"This is something that all Americans can support," said Conatser. "If you ride a motorcycle, join us. If you don't, become a ‘non-rider supporter,' get your patch and help these children."

Conatser will stop in every state to collect donations from riders, American Legion family members, business leaders and members of the public along the way. Stops and events planned include:

Saturday, August 16 - Pre-Run Rally - Indianapolis.
Sunday, August 17 - Indianapolis to Saint Robert (Ft. Leonard Wood) Mo.
Monday, August 18 - St. Robert, Mo. to Oklahoma City.
Tuesday, August 19 - Oklahoma City to Tucumcari, N.M.
Wednesday, August 20 - Tucumcari, N.M. to Gallup, N.M.
Thursday, August 21 - Gallup, N.M. to Phoenix/Tempe, Ariz.

On Friday, Aug. 22, at 9:30 a.m., Conatser will hold a special welcoming ceremony on the steps of the Phoenix Convention Center. Afterwards the riders will meet in a national American Legion Riders conference meeting at the Convention Center.

A small delegation of American Legion Riders will formally present the national donations for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund directly to Conatser onstage at the National Convention. Registration information is available at http://www.legion.org/programs/legacyrun/overview All who register, including riders and non rider supporters, will receive a souvenir map book and vest patch.