Q. Does The American Legion officially recognize The American Legion Riders program?
A. Yes. The National Executive Committee officially adopted The American Legion Riders (ALR) as a national program with Resolution 35 in October 2007. View the resolution.
Q. Can we have members who do not own motorcycles or are not spouses of owners?
A. No. Resolution 35 states members must own a motorcycle. (Since many states define marital property as jointly owned, spouses are assumed to have part ownership.)
Q. Can girlfriends, friends, cousins, mothers, fathers, etc., join as regular members even if they are ineligible under the bylaws?
A. No. Membership eligibility requirements are clearly stated in Resolution 35: “All members of The American Legion Riders shall be current members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion”. Membership criteria is established not to exclude family and friends, but to comply with the constitutional requirements of the supporting post or department, which must adhere strictly to American Legion directives as well as local, state and federal laws regarding veteran, civic and fraternal organizations.
Q. How about T-shirts, hats, etc.?
A. National Emblem Sales has a line of high quality T-shirts, motorcycle gear, flags, hats, pins and many other items for Legion Riders. They can be viewed and purchased at emblem.legion.org, by mail (catalog), or by phone at (888)-453-4466.
Q. When and where was ALR started?
A. ALR started at Post 396 in Garden City, Mich., in the fall of 1993. Chuck “Tramp” Dare and post commander Bill“Polka Bill” Kaledas had an idea to start an association of motorcycle enthusiasts within the Legion. The two Legionnaires – both longtime riders – wanted to create an environment where members of the Legion family could come together to share a common love for motorcycles. The Department of Michigan agreed with the concept and provided the two riders and 19 other founding members instructions on how to manage the program at the post level. The members of Post 396 soon adopted a resolution for a new program called the “American Legion Riders..”
The national organization recognized Garden City Post 396 with a commemorative plaque in 2007.
Q. Motorcycle clubs have rules about what can be worn on a vest with the emblem; what are our rules?
A. Resolution 35 states, “All ALR members shall strive to maintain the image of The American Legion, at all times upholding The American Legion name and emblem, which symbolizes the integrity and principles of this great organization." Also see Chapter 716 By-Laws.
Q. Do members of our ALR chapter have to be members of our post?
A. No, You must be a current member in good standing of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, and be at least 18 years of age.
