Usa News
Honor Ride: Havasu’s Heroes Celebrated in Veterans Last Patrol Ceremony
Lake Havasu City will host its annual honor ride for veterans on Saturday, organized by the South Carolina-based nonprofit Veterans Last Patrol. This marks the third year of the event in Havasu, which originally launched five years ago in South Carolina to visit veterans in assisted living and end-of-life care facilities.
Erin Petersen, a veteran and ride captain, introduced the local honor ride in 2022 to pay tribute to those who served in conflicts such as Vietnam. “For me, it’s personal because they served during Vietnam and as we all know, that was a war that was less than favorable,” Petersen noted. He emphasized the importance of recognizing their sacrifices, stating, “Some of them stepped up and answered that call and they did their job.”
Petersen also highlights veterans from the Greatest Generation, including those who fought in World War II and the Korean War. Bikers will ride together to multiple centers, raising awareness and support for veterans in living facilities and hospices.
Since its inception, the event has attracted numerous motorcyclists, with Petersen expressing his commitment to expand participation in future rides. “We’re going to make it bigger and bigger every year,” he stated. The ride has previously been among the largest runs in the United States, a tradition he aims to maintain.
Participants will have the opportunity to present memorabilia to honored veterans during the ride. Each year, large banners or posters signed by riders are given to facility management as a gesture of gratitude.
The riding event will kick off at American Legion Post 81, where attendees can arrive between 8 and 8:45 a.m. Participants will sign posters and attend a safety briefing prior to departure. This year’s ride includes three scheduled stops, such as Lake View Terrace Memory Care and Prestige Assisted Living.
“It’s letting them know that I appreciate what they did for me, my family, and this country,” Petersen added. He aims to ensure that the stories of these veterans are remembered. The first scheduled visit will begin at 9 a.m.
For more details, Erin Petersen can be reached at 928-581-5744. Online registration is available through veteranlastpatrol.org.
