By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — Across Delmarva Thursday, events large and small were carried out in observance of Veterans Day — a federal holiday observed annually on Nov. 11 to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The gathering staged by American Legion Post 8 and its Chapter 8 Legion Riders at the Marvel Carriage Museum offered a salute, as well as the culmination of an eight-month raffle that supports Post 8 and Chapter 8 Riders’ efforts to remember U.S. veterans year-round.

Approximately $9,000 was made from the sale of chances on a 2021 49cc Mini Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle. The winning ticket, drawn by Georgetown Mayor Bill West, was Bill Greer of West Ocean City, Maryland. He was notified by Jim Parkinson, Legion Riders Chapter 8 director.

“I don’t think I’ve ever won anything before,” said Mr. Greer.

Every penny raised goes to support veterans “in one form or another,” said Mr. Parkinson. 

Armed with goodie bags of warm clothing, toiletries, personal hygiene products, snacks and other items for veterans, the Riders visit four nursing homes in the region on six special occasions: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, September (Thinking of You) and November (Veterans Day).

“We do not go for Christmas. Everybody does Christmas,” said Peggy Parkinson, Chapter 8 Riders’ historian and activities director. “We want to remember them … every two months that we are still thinking about them.”

The number of veterans served in this outreach ranges from 45 to 60. “Some are short term and go home. Some are long term,” said Ms. Parkinson, noting the ranks of those served currently include two female veterans.

Some clothing items carry expensive price tags of $60 and $40, but Ms. Parkinson is a boastful bargain hunter, always on the lookout for sales and discount opportunities. A recent excursion netted nearly $4,000 in price-tagged merchandise for $1,400. 

“I do the shopping. I love it,” she said. 

Like other organizations, patriotism rides with the Chapter 8 Riders.

Literally.

“We’re motorcycle enthusiasts, who ride for the Legion. And we ride for our veterans,” said Mr. Parkinson. “Everybody in the American Legion is connected to at least a veteran. Most of our riders are veterans. That’s why we do it. We appreciate our freedom.”

The Legion Riders’ commitment to veterans includes Wreaths Across America. Locally, the 2021 event will be Dec. 18 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. The event is spearheaded by Teresa Townsend.

“When we first started it was like one wreath for every three graves. Now, every grave has a wreath,” said Mr. Parkinson. “We always deal with Teresa. We usually donate $2,000. And we always furnish the escort with the bikes, in December when it’s colder than a witch’s thorax. We had almost 100 bikes last year.”

This Veterans Day marked the Post 8 Riders’ second Mini Harley-Davidson Fat Boy raffle. Members build the bike and customize it with a particular paint scheme. This year’s theme was an eagle. The 2020 theme was stars & stripes. Next year’s theme will be a World War II Harley, in Army green/brown coloring with black stars.

“We buy it in a crate. We put it all together. We have it painted,” said Mr. Parkinson. “It takes about a month and a half.”

The completed Fat Boy is then taken on the road on a trailer to various community events and festivals to hopefully spur ticket sales. 

“We attend a lot of activities,” said Mr. Parkinson. “Most all of our riders and associates put in 400 volunteer hours a year. A lot of times we donate things ourselves.”