The Highground Veterans Memorial Holding Annual Honor Ride on May 26th
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 -- 12:01 PM
The Highground will hold its 16th Annual Honor Ride and Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, uniting motorcyclists, veterans, families, and community members from across Wisconsin in a shared moment of remembrance.
Together, they will honor the courage, service and sacrifice of the military heroes who are no longer here, ensuring their legacy lives on in the hearts of all who gather. The Honor Ride features seven scenic motorcycle rides, beginning at various locations throughout the state, including Minocqua, Milwaukee, Appleton, Onalaska, Wausau, Eau Claire, and Neillsville.
Some routes will begin as early as 6am, with designated stops along the way. Route and registration details are available at thehighgroundhonorride.com. Beginning at 11:30am, riders will arrive along Ridge Road lined with flags and guests.
As part of the motorcycle fundraiser, registered riders will receive lunch catered by The Highground and have the chance to participate in a basket raffle. At 2:15pm, riders will line up for the Memorial Day Motorcycle Parade, led and supported by the Neillsville Volunteer Fire Department.
The large parade of motorcycles will travel through Neillsville along Granton Road to Grand Avenue, continue onto 18th Street, Hewett Street, and then Highway 10 to return to The Highground.
“Memorial Day can be a solemn day for veterans, and we are deeply grateful for the patriotic residents of Neillsville who come out to greet the parade and honor its meaning,” says Chris Pettis, executive director of The Highground.
The parade will be back at The Highground in time for the 3pm National Moment of Silence and ceremony. 20‑year Army Veteran and WDVA Tribal Liaison Melissa Doud will serve as the guest speaker, sharing her story of service and deployment.
In keeping with its promise to never forget, the names of 100 Wisconsin service members who lost their lives during or because of their service will be read aloud as the ceremonial folding of the flag is performed.
The Highground welcomes guests to join them for the day, take part in the fundraiser supporting veteran programming, and stand alongside veterans and community members to honor those who gave all.
The Highground is immensely grateful to these early sponsors:
- Leathernecks Motorcycle Club Road Warriors Chapter,
- Belvedere Supper Club,
- Midwest Motorcycle Lawyers- Nicolet Law,
- Marc-on Shooting,
- Scheels,
- Bull Falls Harley Davidson,
- Lake of the Torches Resort Casino,
- Hello Adorn,
- Potawatomi Hotel & Casino,
- VFW District 7 riders,
- Department of Wisconsin VFW Riders,
- CycleFish,
- Country Jam USA,
- WWIS Radio,
- And Central Wisconsin Broadcasting.
Businesses and individuals interested in becoming sponsors are encouraged to contact the event coordinator at 715-743-4224 or [email protected]. The 16th Annual Honor Ride and Memorial Day Ceremony promise to be a powerful day of remembrance, unity, and gratitude for our nation’s fallen heroes.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.