The Highground Veterans Memorial's Annual Heroes Ride Raises Over $67,000

Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 -- 2:00 PM

The 42nd Annual Heroes Ride raised $67,433 and counting, once again uniting veterans, families, cyclists, volunteers and supporters in a powerful demonstration of remembrance, resilience and community.

The funds will provide vital support for The Highground's mission to honor veterans, promote healing and educate future generations. Officially held over three days, cyclists depart from Hayward, New Richmond, Appleton, and La Crosse, with the routes covering approximately 60 miles each day before they arrived at The Highground on Sunday, August 2.

For many years, riders from the Chili, Wisconsin area have begun their journey to Hayward earlier in the week, while participants on the Southwestern Route traditionally start one day later than the other three groups.

Although their route may be shorter in distance, it is no less demanding. Despite periods of rain and grueling stretches, riders remained steadfast in their commitment, demonstrating the determination and perseverance that have defined this annual tradition for more than four decades.

Beyond the fundraising success, the Heroes Ride continues to serve as a bridge between generations. Veteran riders pedal alongside first-time participants and younger cyclists, passing along stories of service, sacrifice and resilience while creating new traditions rooted in gratitude and remembrance.

The Heroes Ride traces its origins to 1985, when Vietnam veteran Tom Miller bicycled 1,244 miles across Wisconsin, one mile for each of the 1,244 Wisconsin service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

He embarked on his journey to raise awareness of the many lives impacted by the Vietnam War and to draw attention to the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project, which later became known as The Highground.

Since then, what began as a single tribute has grown into one of Wisconsin's longest-running charitable cycling events and The Highground’s largest fundraising event, bringing together generations of riders in honor of those who served.

One of the weekend's most meaningful moments came as the cyclists arrived at The Highground, where they were warmly welcomed by fellow riders, family members, volunteers, supporters and the many Vietnam veterans attending the Vietnam Reunion.

While The Highground stands as a place of honor and healing for veterans of all eras, its foundation was inspired and built through the vision, dedication and efforts of Vietnam veterans.

The Highground conveys sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors whose support helped make the 42nd Annual Heroes Ride a tremendous success:

• AgCountry Farm Credit Services;
• Advance Printing of Hayward;
• American Legion Auxiliary Bemis Hunter Unit 379;
• American Legion Auxiliary Post 218;
• American Legion Auxiliary Post 425;
• American Legion Auxiliary Unit 301 – Woodville;
• American Legion Post 75 (Trier-Puddy);
• American Legion Post 118;
• American Legion and Auxiliary Post 218;
• American Legion Post 263;
• American Legion Post 301– Woodville;
• American Legion Post 353;
• Benck Mechanical;
• Bernards Northtown Chrysler/Dodge/Ram;
• Blue Hills Kiwanis;
• Central WI Broadcasting;
• CPR Rescuers North;
• Custom Heating and Cooling Inc.;
• Deer’s Bar;
• Donald & Barbara Gleisner;
• Eggin for Heroes;
• Field Fastener Supply;
• Fire Fighters Local 1021 – Marshfield;
• Gibby's Lanes;
• Hanson's IGA;
• J & L Auto;
• JBC Screen-printing and Embroidery;
• Kwik Trip;
• Ladysmith City Recreation Center;
• Lowe Advertising;
• Marine Corps League Detachment 552;
• Marshfield Parks & Recreation;
• Michael & Jody Olson;
• OEM;
• Plover VFW Auxiliary 10262;
• Ready Randy's Sports Bar & Grill;
• Rusk County Fairgrounds;
• Stubborn Brothers Brewery;
• Teamsters Local Union 662;
• The Sports Den;
• 45th Parallel Distillery;
• VFW Post 305 – Eau Claire;
• VFW Post 1037 – Waupaca;
• VFW Post 1039 – Menomonie;
• VFW Post 6550 – Strum;
• VFW Post 8342 – Ringle-Hatley;
• VFW Post 8514 – Osseo;
• VFW Post 9464;
• VFW Post 10818.

The Highground offers deepest thanks to every rider, individual donor, volunteer, route coordinator, support crew member and family member who contributed their time, talents and encouragement throughout the weekend.

Every mile ridden and every dollar raised helps provide healing programs, retreats, educational opportunities and ongoing support for veterans and their families. As another remarkable year comes to a close, attention now turns to the 43rd Annual Heroes Ride, scheduled for July 30-August 1, 2027.

Riders, supporters and new participants are encouraged to take part in this longstanding tradition of selfless service.

(Photo courtesy of The Highground via press release)

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.