Yearly event 'Larry's Final Journey' combines homage and healing for Wisconsin military veterans
Every August, the city of Janesville, Wisconsin, comes together for a special event - "Larry's Last Ride". This memorial ride is a tribute to Larry Bassett, a man remembered as "a super great guy all the way around".
Larry Bassett was a veteran himself, and his passion for motorcycles led him to found Hogs for Heroes, a nonprofit organisation that gifts Harley-Davidson motorcycles to veterans in the state. Sadly, Larry passed away from liver cancer before the first ride could take place. However, his legacy lives on through this annual event.
The ride serves not only as a remembrance of Larry Bassett but also as a fundraiser for Hogs for Heroes. The proceeds from the event go towards causes close to Larry's heart, helping to put veterans back on the road. Since its inception a decade ago, Hogs for Heroes has gifted 60 motorcycles to veterans, with number 61 set to be presented later this month.
For many veterans, these motorcycles mean more than just a new ride. They symbolise a sense of freedom, a chance to escape difficult thoughts, and a reminder of the community's support and appreciation for their service. Marine veteran Gerald Sieren, a recipient of a motorcycle from Hogs for Heroes, shares that the motorcycle rides have significantly improved his mental health.
Julie Davis, Larry Bassett's younger sister, keeps the tradition alive by organising the ride each year. She expresses her emotion about continuing the event, stating, "He'd probably cry just knowing that his little sister... did all this for him."
The sixth annual "Larry's Last Ride" took place on August 9 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The ride started and ended at the Janesville VFW, with a scenic route through Rock County. Army veteran Chad Caso also emphasized that receiving a motorcycle from Hogs for Heroes reminds him of the community's support and appreciation for his service.
Both Gerald and Chad found a sense of bond and fellowship within the Hogs for Heroes community and other veteran riders. They share that the organisation provides more than just a motorcycle - it offers a support system, a sense of belonging, and a chance to heal.
100% of every dollar donated to Hogs for Heroes goes directly to veterans, ensuring that every contribution makes a difference in the lives of those who have served our country. If you would like to learn more about "Larry's Last Ride" or Hogs for Heroes, visit their website at www.hogsforheroes.org.
Sports and motorcycles are closely associated with the annual event known as "Larry's Last Ride," which takes place in Janesville, Wisconsin. This motorcycle ride is not just a tribute to Larry Bassett, but also a fundraiser for Hogs for Heroes, an organization that gifts Harley-Davidson motorcycles to veterans in the state, and every dollar donated to this organization goes directly towards providing motorcycles and a support system to veterans, improving their mental health, and offering a chance to heal.
