SPEARFISH American flags, veterans organization patches, and emblems of the various United States military branches were visible in downtown Spearfish Thursday at the start of the Freedom Celebration Ride.

Todays all about the greatest people ever the veterans of the United States of America, Robbie Helms, of the band Big Skillet, said during the event. God bless those people. We love you guys!

In its fourth year, the Freedom Celebration Ride is an extension of the Buffalo Chips Freedom Celebration, now in its 26th year. The 2017 ride brought in more than 100 riders and honors Americas veterans, provides entertainment and special guests speakers, and gives riders to enjoy the freedom of the open road on a route across the scenic high plains and foothills north of the Black Hills, starting in Spearfish and ending at the Buffalo Chip.

We are here to honor the sacrifice of all those who have gone and been willing to fight and bleed and sacrifice for this great nation, said Jason Redman, author and retired Navy SEAL. That is what the Freedom Celebration Ride is about. We know unequivocally that this gift that we live in, this free air that we breathe in, the ability to hop on these iron horses and ride around all around this beautiful country and South Dakota it wouldnt have happened if there wasnt a group of Americans (willing to serve) ... I will never, ever, as long as I hold breath in these lungs, apologize for the greatness of the United States of America. And every one of you that wore this uniform, every one of you that served this great nation, contributed to that greatness. And thats what this Freedom Celebration Ride is about.

The $75 ride donation assists wounded vets and their families, benefiting the Warrior Dog Foundation, Combat Wounded Coalition and Americas Mighty Warriors.

Other guest present at the celebration included US Navy SEAL and founder of Warrior Dog Foundation Mike Ritland, Americas Mighty Warriors CEO Debbie Lee, Redman, Purple Heart and Bronze Medal recipient Mary Dague, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. William Spanky Gibson, and once at the Buffalo Chip, participants enjoyed a brief program and catered reception with entertainment, a group photo at the Buffalo Chips Field of Flags, and a chance to pay respects at the Veterans Memorial Wall and Battlefield Cross.

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Music, motorcycles, freedom, and camaraderie - Black Hills Pioneer