The Nation of Patriots will arrive home – in Beaver Dam – on Saturday, September 9. The homecoming of the Nation of Patriots tour will be much anticipated after a 48 state national tour over the past several months. The tour will end right here in Dodge County with a huge welcome home.

Each year, the organized ride departs from Wisconsin over the Memorial Day weekend. The ride pays tribute to and honors those who have served and are serving in America’s Armed Forces over 100 days. A group of riders starts the tour, by escorting one American flag from its first location, as it is then passed to its next location at Woodstock Harley Davidson in Illinois. The flag is then transferred from the back of one motorcycle to the next escort along each leg of the tour. The flag and its current location may be tracked on the Nation of Patriots website.

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This free homecoming event will take place from 11:00-4:00 on the afternoon of September 9 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. More than 200 riders will join the police escorted event, which will depart Hogz and Honeez bar and Grill at 11:00 to travel to Madison. The final flag exchange will occur around 12:00 Noon in Madison and depart for Beaver Dam at 1:00.  400-500 riders are expected for the last leg of the flag’s journey.

A parade will take place throughout downtown Beaver Dam at 2:00, when flags will be waving proudly. The ceremony event will kick off with the Junior Patriot Tour, inviting children ages 5-12 years old to decorate their bicycles in patriotic red, white and blue decorations.  The children’s bike parade will help escort the flag to the ceremony stage at the Fairgrounds. Children’s registration opens at 2:00; the homecoming ceremony will begin at 3:00.

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Nation of Patriots was established in 2008, with its first tour the following year. The group promotes awareness of the physical, emotional and economic hardships that wounded veterans and their families endure. Donate online to help the Nation of Patriots grow and further magnify their message. 100% of funds raised will be distributed directly to families effected, who are carefully selected through the VA Hospital network.

Consider honoring the flag’s return and become one of the 57 flag bearers at its homecoming ceremony on September 9.  Sign up at Hogz and Honeez Bar and Grill (W7771 State Rd 33, Beaver Dam). A $10 registration fee and ride release form are required to reserve your spot. Participants must have a two-up bike with an adult passenger and have a proper flag holder kit installed on your bike. If you are not located in Wisconsin and cannot register in person, please email [email protected] for registration details.

by Jamie Adcock author of runningdivamom.com and sunprairiemom.com