Members of the American Legion Riders from around the country drove through Cape Girardeau County on Aug. 23 as part of the American Legion Legacy Run.
The run is one of the longest and largest organized rides in the county – with more than 275 motorcycles and 325 participants taking part in the 1,158-mile journey.
The riders began the run on Aug. 21 at the USS Alabama Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, and ended the run on Aug. 25 near Milwaukee, Wisconsin – where the American Legion National Convention is held.
The American Legion Riders crossed the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, drove through Cape Girardeau, went north on Interstate 55, took exit 105 in Fruitland and traveled on Highway 61 towards Perryville.
In Perryville, the riders stopped to visit Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial including an exact replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. before continuing on their trek.
The American Legion Legacy Run has raised money annually since 2006 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to children of U.S. military members killed or severely injured during active duty. So far, the 2022 run has raised $575,516 towards the rider’s $1.2 million fundraising goal.
The American Legion Riders is comprised of more than 110,000 motorcycle enthusiasts who are current members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion.

The American Legion Legacy Run, featuring more than 325 participants, traveled from Alabama to Wisconsin over five days.

An American Legion Rider towards the front of the pack waves while traveling on Highway 61 on Aug. 23.

American Legion Riders came through Cape Girardeau County on Aug. 23 as part of the annual American Legion Legacy Run.

An American Legion Rider waves to the camera in Fruiltland on day three of the cross-country run.

The American Legion Legacy Run has raised scholarship money for children of killed or wounded U.S. military members since 2006.

American Legion Riders wave as they pass through Fruitland as part of their 1,158 mile Legacy Run.
