The 2016 Patriot Tour had it final flag ceremony in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, on Sept. 3.

The Patriot Tour who, what, when, where and why:

We carry our nation’s flag city to city through all 48 continental United States in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The flag is transported on the back of a motorcycle and escorted by more than 150,000 riders over the course of the 100 days. We raise funds for the wounded veterans and their families.

One hundred percent of the money raised directly benefits those in need.

As part of the Patriot Tour 2016 we would like to thank the communities of Austin and Albert Lea for all of their support: The Hormel Food Corp., The Mayo Clinic Health System, Austin campus; Mrs. Gerry’s, The Mower County and Freeborn County Shoppers, the Austin Pizza Ranch, Bergdale-Harley Davidson, the VFW Gambling Post 1216, Austin, KAUS Radio Austin, KATE Radio Albert Lea, KQPR Power 96 Radio, Jensales of Manchester for our printing needs, the Masonic Charities, Union Center of Albert Lea and everyone who has been so very generous to the 2016 Patriot Tour.

Without your commitment to combat wounded veterans, we never would have been able to complete this tour. So many of you understand what it is like to have family or friends return from a military engagement with wounds and after effects of combat duty. Sadly, even more have experienced the loss of someone special. Although we try to honor these veterans, many folks have no idea what we represent or why we are doing this. Your donations and your commitment to join us help show our nation’s appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans continue to make.

We are now arranging for this year’s presentations by the selection process of finding those veterans who have been wounded in combat zones. We will be making these presentations probably in November once scheduling is complete.

It is with great pride in the six years we have been part of the Patriot Tour we have been able to help six combat wounded veterans. These soldiers put their life on the line every day for us — we must be thankful and grateful. If you see a veteran be sure to thank them for their service, buy them a meal, give them a handshake — whatever it takes let them know you and I are thankful.

We are proud Americans!

Judy Renwick

Austin

The Albert Lea Hog Chapter