(OLNEY) All in our downstate area are encouraged to help the Olney VFW welcome the Gold Star Mission Bicycle Riders as they make a quick visit to Richland County today. The riders are expected to arrive from the east of Olney with a police escort, riding to the Olney VFW at around 1:30 this Wednesday afternoon. While the VFW will be feeding the riders, a local donation of money will be collected for their mission. It’s every year that the Gold Star Mission Riders hold an annual 500-mile bicycle ride in Illinois that honors fallen service members by raising awareness for their sacrifice, supporting their families, and funding scholarships in their names. Founded by members of the Illinois National Guard, the annual ride aims to keep the memory of those who died in service to our country alive through community events, through the Fallen Heroes History Project, and through the collection of donated funds for family financial assistance. For those who’d like to help support this effort, stop by the Olney VFW this afternoon with all donations accepted.
