IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Memorial Weekend Charity Motorcycle Ride that’s been a beloved tradition for two decades roared through Dickinson County this year, drawing hundreds of participants.
“We owe everything to our veterans and especially our fallen soldiers,” declared Veteran Tribute Ride Committee President Terry Priddy, addressing the crowd gathered at Riverside Auto.
During her opening remarks, Priddy thanked local groups and community members for their unwavering support of local veteran organizations. Scott Trombley, the General Manager of Riverside Auto in Iron Mountain, expressed his dealership’s long-standing commitment to the event. “Well, we love veterans here at Riverside. I myself am a veteran, and this is a really big deal for us. We love doing it. It’s a lot of fun, and you have got to love the sound,” Trombley said.
The ride’s much-anticipated pit-stop at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center brought joy to the residents of the community living center, who enjoyed the sunshine and the chance to meet the bikers. Dr. John P. Shealey, the VA Medical Center Director, commended the efforts of his staff and the community. “All of our staff here at the VA work really hard to put this on. I’m very thankful for everything that they do. They are one-hundred percent professional, caring staff dedicated to taking care of our veterans.”
As the event unfolded, the Iron Mountain Fire Department proudly displayed a new flag on their ladder truck, a donation made anonymously. The ride concluded at its dedicated endpoint, marking the end of yet another successful year.
Greg Blahnik, the Carney-Nadeau American Legion Commander, and his wife have participated in the ride for at least 6 years. Reflecting on this year’s event, Blahnik shared, “We do this for the veterans but also, it’s Memorial Day weekend. We honor the deceased veterans too, but the community comes together with donations, the people come together for the ride. It’s amazing. We’ll allot all the money out to Legions, VFWs, the VA, and disabled veterans.”
The final number of registered participants reached 441. Blahnik expressed his hope that next year’s Veteran Tribute Ride will be even bigger and better.
“Twenty years, one of the best years we’ve had. Hopefully we can do it again next year,” he shared.
