American Legion, Patriot Guard and local riders attend memorial ride for Will Collier

Mar 13, 2008, 10:09

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- On Saturday, March 8, American Legion, Patriot Guard and local motorcycle riders braved sub-freezing weather to join a 45-minute memorial ride through the streets of Warrensburg to honor the passing of local Air Force veteran Will Collier.

Collier had served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. He was one of the founders of the local chapter of the American Legion Riders and a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. These organizations are motorcycle groups who ride in honor of our fallen soldiers and veterans. They will often be seen standing solemnly, holding the U.S. flag along funeral routes to show support for the families of these men and women who have served their country.

More than 30 riders were in attendance on a day when the temperature never reached that number. A number of these riders came from as far away as Springfield, Jefferson City and Oak Grove, facing wind chill factors well below 0 degrees, in support of Collier's family. Collier's son, Cale, and daughter, Cindy, rode together to help honor their father and show support for the groups he had held in such high regard.

The ride was open to all riders and a variety of motorcycles were represented, including Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW and Moto Guzzi.