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Cyclists raise funds for veterans home
Published 11:01 a.m., July 20, 2009
The fifth Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Run, starting at noon Saturday in Underwood, was much more than motorcylists raising money to benefit the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.
“This is our biggest event ever,” said Underwood American Legion Post 489 Commander Todd Pederson. “While each rider enjoys the participation, every individual also wants to remember those who came back from protecting our country — and those who never did come home.”
The main street in Underwood was a sight to behold at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, prior to the start of the run. Pederson estimated close to 350 cycles. Adding in riders on the back seats the total number on the route, he said, was close to 500.
“What a turnout,” said Pederson. “We’ve got riders from all over, and even one from Crystal, near the Twin Cities, and another from Duluth.”
The cyclists and riders, after leaving Underwood at noon, headed for Fergus Falls where they rode around the Veterans Home. They then headed to Rothsay, Dent, Otter Tail Lake (Thumper Pond) and back to Underwood. The funds that are raised through the cycle run are used for the vets home recreation funds, for outings such as fishing and bowling.
“What better than to express our appreciation to the veterans than to bring our cycles to the vets home in Fergus,” said Mike Coleman of Fergus Falls who has participated in all five cycle rides. He also participates in the Lakeland Hospice cycle run each fall.
For Legion Commander Pederson, this year’s cycle run also has some added meaning. That’s because a small portion will be used for a POW/MIA memorial to be built in Underwood.
“The memorial will be dedicated to those who never made it back,”
said Pederson.
Deb and Jerry Moltzan of Vergas participated in their third POW/MIA Remembrance Run. Deb enjoys cycling as a break from her regular job with Becker County. The same holds true for Jerry who works at Barrel O’ Fun in Perham.
“It’s great to have fun with fellow cyclists and riders, and at the same time raise money for good causes,” said Deb Moltzan.
Dean Erkenbrack of Fergus Falls took part in his fourth remembrance run.
“It’s wonderful to be part of this run and at the same time do something good for our veterans,” said Erkenbrack, in his 34th year as buildings and grounds supervisor at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. “At the same, it’s fun to get together with fellow bikers (cyclists). This is a great day.”
Mike Veazie was among the volunteers cooking hogs in preparation for the welcome home, near the American Legion, where the cyclists and riders would gather following the completion of Saturday’s Fifth Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Run. One added bonus, said Commander Pederson, was that the weather cooperated on Saturday.
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The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post. To post a comment you will need to register. Or, if you're already registered but have not included your true, verifiable identity with your registration, you will need to update your account to include your identity. Effective Dec. 1, 2009, all posts appear with the commenter's true identity, which must be verified by site staff. Those who registered prior to Dec. 1, 2009, should be aware that once you update your information with your true identity, all prior posts under your user name will also indicate your true identity. If you do not wish to link yourself to prior comments, you should register again with a different user name.Posted by clarson (anonymous) on July 20, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not also include classic cars/street rods, custom cars too? Alot of people who don't have motorcycles but have custom cars would go too.
Posted by 89Heritage (anonymous) on July 21, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that could be possible & I agree with you. www.post489.com E- mail Todd ( Speedy)Pederson & I'll mention it to him also. We have some people that follow these runs in vehicals now. The more people, the more for the cause. Lets add some classic cars & hot rods :)
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