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Welcome to The Original Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run
On June 19th, 2004 a Granite Memorial Wall was dedicated commemorating the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in worldwide conflicts since 1979. The project was built with donated material and labor and is the first of its kind, in the History of the United States, to give honor to our fallen by name while a conflict is ongoing. It took 20 years to Honor our Vietnam Veterans. Almost 60 years to Honor our World War II Veterans. The names on the wall represent our fallen heroes from such diverse locations as Panama, Lebanon, the Balkans, Grenada, Somalia, Haiti, USS Cole, USS Stark, Terrorist attacks in Italy, Greece, Scotland, and the current conflicts in the Middle East.
The Purpose of the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run is to show Our Brave Servicemen and Women, and their Families, that we support them, and to Honor Fallen Heroes. The route is lined with Americans waving American Flags and paying tribute. In the past we have had 10's of thousands of participants. The money raised through you generous donations is used to update and maintain the Memorial, and to put this wonderful event together. Co-Founder Jerry Kuczera remains on board to assist the organization. The first Memorial we erected was in the small town of St Anne Illinois. the hometown of Capt. Ryan A. Beaupre, one of Illinois first casualties in the war against terror. We have donated Memorials to all of the Veteran Homes and Hospitals in The State of Illinois in Honor of all our Veterans , Past and Present. We Have assisted many of our Fallen Heroes Children, with funds for their education, in hopes that through education, they will learn to diplomatically resolve their problems.
The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
Is Located at 229 Main St, Marseilles, IL 61341
Directions To The Wall <- Click Here
Parents Walk 1080 Miles to Wall
Parents walk 1,080 miles to honor fallen sgt.Link To American Military Family.org
ARVADA, Colo. — Michelle and Dan Benavidez are preparing for a walk that will start April 13 in Colorado Springs, Colo., and end more than two months later in the small town of Marseilles, Ill. The reason for their journey: They want you to remember the American men and women who have sacrificed while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Their family knows firsthand about that sacrifice. On Sept. 4, 2008, their son, Army Sgt. Kenneth Mayne, was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. “You forget how to live. You’re just numb and in shock,” Michelle Benavidez said. The family struggled following their son’s death. They say they made it as a result of strength and support of family, friends and an organization called American Military Family. “There were times at 2 o’clock in the morning I just wanted to sit on the phone and have somebody listen to me cry. So another Gold Star mother, Leona, would answer the call no matter what time of day it was,” Michelle Benavidez said. Whether it was lending an ear or giving advice, they say the support they received was critical in getting them through that first year. “It has been 3 1/2 years and I feel blessed that I’ve been able to do that for a couple of other Gold Star moms,” Michelle Benavidez said.
About six months ago, the Benavidez family decided they wanted to do something more for American Military Family. To help raise awareness of the organization and operating money, the couple will walk 1,080 miles across country, 18 miles a day for 68 days. “If those guys can live through and survive and do the job they do over there, I can walk for a little while. It is just a walk,” Dan Benavidez said. The destination of their walk has great meaning for the family. The couple is planning to arrive June 16 in Marseilles, Ill., in time for the 10th anniversary ceremony of the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall. Their son’s name is on the wall. “It might sound silly but having his name on there means he’ll never be forgotten,” Michelle Benavidez said. “I want you to know what my son stood for. I want him remembered.”
