BUCHANAN, Va. (WFXR) — It was a picture perfect afternoon at New Freedom Farm in Buchanan as therapy horses bathed in the sunshine.
However, Saturday, June 25 wasn’t a normal day on the farm. The sound of more than 200 motorcycles riding for a cause could be heard through the pastures.
New Freedom Farm hosted a luncheon for the American Legion riders on their Virginia Legacy Run. The event raises money to benefit the American Legion Scholarship Foundation, which helps children of killed since 9/11 and children of veterans who were disabled while serving on active duty.
“This is the Virginia Legacy Run, and so far as of just the first leg of the run, the first day, we cleared about $40,000. That was just the first day,” said rider Brandy Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald, who is also a Marine Corps veteran, wrote a song to commemorate their efforts.
“Brothers and sisters riding side by side, raising funds each mile along the way, to help someone else have a better day,” sung Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald wasn’t the only singer to honor her country at the Botetourt County farm. The Asia Bronte Band also provided live music as the motorcyclists pulled up.
“Without these heroes that are coming here today, I wouldn’t even be able to get to do what I love, which is sing, so it’s just an honor and a privilege to be here,” said Asia Sawyer, the lead singer of the Asia Bronte Band.
Along with live music, the veterans were provided with free food.
Buchanan’s own Vietnam veteran Jimmy Eubank was honored as the road captain of the ride.
“Anytime that we have an opportunity to honor our veterans, it’s really important and it’s really important to honor our Vietnam veterans that didn’t have the opportunity to have the welcome home that our current veterans get to have,” said Lois Dawn Fritz, founder of New Freedom Farm.
