An ‘awesome sight’ Legacy Run Riders stop in Dalton

Published 12:16 am Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Betty Ann Chamblee said she couldn’t imagine 450 motorcycles coming through Dalton, but Tuesday evening that’s exactly what happened.

Close to 100 people gathered at American Legion Post 112 to greet Legacy Run Riders from all over the country. Dalton was the only stop in Georgia for the American Legion riders who began Sunday in Indianapolis and will end their ride on Thursday in Ohio.

Chamblee was joined by her husband Jim, an Army veteran.

“We’re always out doing patriotic things,” she said. “My two brothers were World War II veterans.”

Robert B. Sussan, chairman of the National American Legion Riders, said this is the 11th year for the Legacy Run.

“The purpose of the ride is to raise money for our legacy scholarship college fund for anyone who lost a parent on active duty since the Sept. 11 (terrorist attacks),” Sussan said.

To date the run has raised $11.5 million. The money also benefits children whose parents are at least 50 percent disabled, Sussan said.

This is the first national ride that Sharon and Sid Damsgard of Dunedin, Fla., have participated in.

“It’s quite an honor to be here, ” Sharon Damsgard said.

Sid Damsgard said he’s enjoyed the “camaraderie and meeting new friends.”

Post 112 Commander Lee Oliver called the gathering an “awesome sight.” He said all the riders were brought together for one cause. “Many of you made a huge effort to join us, we are deeply appreciative,” he said.

Oliver said all the work and preparation was worth it.

Mayor Dennis Mock said it was an “honor and pleasure” to welcome the riders to Dalton.

“We’re blessed by your presence and honored to be the stop in Georgia you chose,” he said.

Mock presented Auxiliary National President Sharon Conatser and American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett with keys to the city.

“It’s like Pokemon, I don’t know what they open,” Mock joked.

Conatser said members of Post 112 put in lots of hard work hosting the riders, who were staying overnight.

“I’d especially like to thank the veterans for their sacrifice they made so we can do the legacy ride,” she said.

Barnett, Conatser, Mock, Oliver and other dignitaries gathered at the Dalton Veterans Memorial at the Whitfield County Courthouse for a wreath-laying ceremony and prayer before returning back to Post 112 for dinner.

Barnett thanked Post 112 members for “opening your hearts to me.”

“Any post that hosts a Legacy Run is a big deal,” he said.