LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) - Saturday marks La Crosse's tenth and final Freedom Fest, celebrating veterans and their service to the U.S. <\/p>\n
Just as Freedom Fest has become a tradition in the area, so has the motorcycle rally and ride starting in the Veterans Hall of Honor parking lot the morning of the festival. <\/p>\n
Riders say it brings a sense of camaraderie, and for the Gold Star families who have lost a loved one, the rally has extra meaning. <\/p>\n
\"Motorcycles, veterans, I think it's been a natural fit forever, said Gary Rudy, director of the ride and rally. <\/p>\n
About 200 riders, many with family members who are veterans or who have themselves served the country, started gearing up for the 100-mile ride through the Coulee Region at 9 a.m. <\/p>\n
\"I feel honored to be here with all the veterans, Sparta resident Don Whitacre said. They're my friends. Weve got each other's backs.\" <\/p>\n
\"It's just a chance for us to thank them and realize they haven't been forgotten, Rudy said. <\/p>\n
\"I like the freedom, Kathryne Humble, from La Crosse, said. <\/p>\n
That freedom is at the heart of the day's celebrations. <\/p>\n
\"We live in a country where we are able to do things like this, Humble said. <\/p>\n
Of course, as many at the rally said, freedom comes at a price. <\/p>\n
\"We consider that our son. It's an Army bear that was given to us, Hartford resident Colleen Lemke said, pointing out a stuffed bear on the bike of her motorcycle. <\/p>\n
Lemke, her husband and their ride-along passenger are annual visitors to the ride and rally. <\/p>\n
\"A few tears, a little bit of laughter, she said. <\/p>\n
Lemkes son, Cpl. Jason Lemke, died in Iraq in 2008. <\/p>\n
Of course, some days you wish they were home, she said. <\/p>\n
Since then, she's added a necklace she never takes off, and a few tattoos in his memory all just a reflection of how different life is now. <\/p>\n
\"Your whole outlook on life changes, Lemke said. Certain things that used to bother you no longer bother you, and you look at things totally different from day to day.\" <\/p>\n
Support, however, comes in seemingly unlikely places, such as at a motorcycle rally, where there are other gold star families. <\/p>\n
\"You feel kind of proud, but a little bit of sorrow knowing what we're riding for today, Lemke said. You have a connection with everybody around you. You know they're there for the same reason we are. (Its) a little bittersweet.\" <\/p>\n
Bittersweet is a word many were using at the rally, especially with the knowledge that with Freedom Fest ending, this will likely be the final ride. <\/p>\n
\"I'm sorry to hear this is the last one, Whitacre said. <\/p>\n
Riders, however, said that they'll make the most of it.. <\/p>\n
\"Today, we'll just celebrate today, Rudy said. <\/p>\n
And they'll always be celebrating freedom. <\/p>\n
\"(There's) a lot of freedom being outside enjoying the ride, Lemke said. <\/p>\n
Gates opened at the UW-La Crosse Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex at 4:30 p.m. Saturday for the live music, including The Remainders and John Fogerty. <\/p>\n
General admission tickets cost $60 at the door. <\/p>\n
Since Freedom Fest began, it has raised more than half a million dollars for veteran causes. <\/p>\n
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Bikers gear up for one final Freedom Fest motorcycle ride - News8000.com - WKBT<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) - Saturday marks La Crosse's tenth and final Freedom Fest, celebrating veterans and their service to the U.S. Continue reading