Memorial Day ride honors fallen veterans for over a decade

By Kendra Simpson

The Jesse James Chapter of Abate for Missouri went on their annual Memorial Day ride in honor of Fallen Veterans Sunday afternoon.

Every year for over a decade, the group has gathered on Memorial Day weekend to go for a ride to remember their brothers and sisters who served in the United States military.

But it’s not just for members of the group. Anyone, regardless of age or occupation, is welcome to bring their bike and join in for the ride.

“We try to encourage everybody that’s a patch holder, non-patch holder, the judges, lawyers, anybody that wants to ride,” Brian Levingston, president of the chapter, said.

Levingston has brought his 10 year old daughter on rides in the past as well as this year’s.

“I like to see that passion get passed down to a generation,” Levingston said. “And little kids looking out the window going ‘well, how come we ain’t doing that?’ That’s what we’re after.”

With several veterans in the chapter, this ride has been a closely held tradition happening every year come rain or shine. Luckily for the chapter, the storms passed leaving behind a beautiful day for a ride.

Anyone interested in joining the group on future rides should reach out to Levingston or other chapter members on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JesseJamesChapterAbateMo.