Vets 5k event coming thru five different districts

Gold Star Mission has their Annual Gold Star 500 Bike ride scheduled for Sept. 19 – 23, 2023. Their registration and orientation for the riders and support teams will be at VFW Post 10302 on Sep 18, 2023. The riders will depart from Scheels in Springfield, IL and travel through Districts 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17 before they return to Springfield VFW Post 10302 on Sept. 23, 2023. The bike ride this year is 518 miles over the 5 days.

There are stops at VFWs, AMVETS Posts, and Legion Posts throughout the 5 day ride.

The monies raised by Gold Start Mission is used to fund scholarships given in the names of IL service members killed in action. The ride is in memory of those service members and to recognize the Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Families along the route.

I encourage your Posts and Districts to show your support of the Gold Star 500. If they are passing through your town or through a neighboring town, sit on the route and cheer them on as they pass. If they are stopping at your VFW Post, make them feel welcome and show them you appreciate their efforts. At several of the stops are short ceremonies to recognize the service members and their Gold Star Families. If you can attend, it will show the VFW honors our dead and cares for their families, At overnight stops, they may need some assistance in setting up or tearing down the facilities for the riders. Any support you can give is appreciated.