The SEAL Family Legacy, a nonprofit serving military Gold Star families, will hold its Inaugural Legacy Ride on Saturday, July 16, beginning in Bettendorf and traveling to Dubuque, Iowa, and back.
The organization’s board of directors invites the public to attend the free patriotic event. The ride’s purpose is to spread awareness of U.S. military members who lost their lives in service to our country and raise both awareness and financial support for the children and families they left behind (Gold Star families).
The event will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the Waterfront Convention Center in downtown Bettendorf.
Opening ceremonies will include a presentation of colors by local Vietnam veterans.
The SEAL Family Legacy Ride is expected to depart at 11 a.m. and is open to all vehicles capable of safely maintaining the minimum posted speed limit on highways and interstates. The group will travel up to the Dubuque area through Maquoketa, Goose Lake and head back through LeClaire, arriving at The Quarry in Bettendorf at about 4 p.m.
“We are so excited to offer this free event to the public, to come together as a community, and to show our appreciation for those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country and to support the families with children they’ve left behind,” Mandy Angotti, SEAL Family Legacy’s co-founder and co-chair said in a news release.
More than 100 participants, including some U.S. Navy Seals, have already RSVP’d for the ride but reservations are not necessary. Organizers said the event could reach up to 500 participants.
Jose Cerda, the organization’s other co-founder and co-chair said he “ would love to see as many people there as possible. It’s an experience that will definitely have a positive impact on all who attend and show Gold Star Families that they’re not alone.”
Participants can expect police escorts at various points throughout the ride. Overpasses and streets along the route will be lined with first responders, various groups and local residents all displaying American Flags to show their patriotism and support.
Food and drinks will be available at various stops along the ride route and at the conclusion of the ride from vendors. Participants also will have the opportunity to learn more about SEAL Family Legacy’s mission.
The nonprofit raises awareness for military members killed in service to our country and raises funds for the immediate family member’s children. It specifically serves Gold Star military families with children from any military branch, and at least one U.S. Navy SEAL family. All profits from the organization are paid directly to the families it serves.
The public, including non-participants, are invited to the Seal Family Legacy Ride’s opening ceremonies. For more details, visit SEAL Family Legacy’s Facebook page here.
