NEW HAVEN ANNOUNCES 9th Annual Veterans’ Memorial Ride

The 9th Annual Veterans’ Memorial Motorcycle Ride is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2018, in New Haven. Registration will begin at 11:00 am at the American Legion Post 330 and proceeds will benefit the Schnelker Veterans’ Memorial Park. (The rain date for this event is set for June 2, 2018)

After the opening ceremony, salute to our military by the Legion Honor Guard and the singing of the National Anthem, this 40+ mile motorcycle ride will take off at 1:00 pm from the American Legion Post 330 and arrive back at the American Legion in New Haven.

New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald said, “This ride will benefit renovations to Schnelker Park Veterans’ Memorial Park. Various veterans’ organization will be present and offer their services to military veterans. I am proud to be a part of this event once again.”

OPEN HOUSE – AMERICAN LEGION

1. The American Legion Post 330 will host an open house from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm offering food specials.

2. American Legion memberships will also be made available for those who are interested in becoming a member.

American Legion Auxiliary will be at the American Legion during the registration period of the Veterans’ Memorial Ride for the sale of poppies. Once a year, the American Legion Auxiliary seeks donations in exchange for poppies, the memorial flower of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. The poppy, a replica of the poppies that bloomed on the battlefields of France, is handmade by disabled Veterans. The memorial poppy is not only a personal tribute to those who gave their lives for our country, but it honors all living veterans. When you wear the little red flower, it helps to keep alive the type of patriotism that is so necessary in this great country of ours. Poppies are only available during the month of May. Donations received from poppies are placed in a separate fund and used exclusively for the rehabilitation of New Haven Veterans and assistance to their families. Your support of our local veterans is greatly appreciated. For more information on the sale of the poppies, please contact the American Legion at 749-0313.

Shepherd’s House will be in attendance. This organization provides professional assistance to veterans and their families obtaining benefits and services earned through military service provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government. Many of these veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression. The mission of Shepard’s House is to rebuild lives which will allow individuals to become productive assets to the community once again. The results are life altering and for many veterans, lifesaving. For more information, visit their website at www.shepherdshouse.org.

NE Indiana Honor Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing veterans with honor and closure. Its mission is to transport America’s Veterans to Washington, DC to visit those memorials dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and their friends. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – WW II survivors, along with other veterans who may be terminally ill. Korean War and Vietnam War era veterans are also eligible to submit applications. For more information, visit their website at www.hfnei.org.

New Haven Parks Superintendent Mike Clendenen said, “Proceeds of this ride will benefit the Schnelker Park Veterans’ Memorial in honor of all military veterans and those who serve this great country.”

This event is sponsored by the American Legion Post 330, New Haven Print & Copy, Ehlerding Motorsports, the New Haven Mayor’s Office, and the New Haven Parks Department.

See attached agenda for detailed events. For more information, contact Sue Grossnickle at the New Haven Parks Department at 749-2212 or Deb-Anne Smith at the New Haven Mayor’s Office at 748-7070.