Riders honor and remember Veterans

Honoring and remembering the Veterans who fought and died to give us a safe and peaceful place to live was the theme of the “We Do Not Forget Ride” on Saturday morning. Many citizens and Veterans came to support Nashua’s hometown heroes who gave some or all for their country.The 2nd Annual “We Do Not Forget Ride” fundraiser was a hit while proceeds of the day will help The Nashua American Legion Post # 0153 and Nashua VFW Post # 6792. Many businesses and citizens donated silent auction items to help the Nashua Veterans. Anyone could bid on silent auction items throughout the day including a Montana hunting trip, a bike or many gift certificates to name a few.Many items which were donated were homemade rugs, quilts, woodworking items and even warm apple crisp. Businesses from all over the area wanted to help raise money for their local hometown heroes.While looking at the silent auction items and getting a snack, which the VFW Auxiliary made, the public could look at the flag display which was brought by Ronald Mortensen from Charles City. Mortensen travels the area going to parades and Veteran’s events showcasing his flag display.  He has room for 70 flags now and is very proud of the display.  Mortensen began his flag display over 13 years ago.“I have enjoyed every minute,” Mortensen said and he enjoys hearing stories from the many Veteran’s that have seen his display.There was also a 50/50 raffle and a gun raffle. The 50/50 raffle winner was Kellie Bouillon who turned around and spent her winnings on the gun raffle to support the Nashua Veterans. Gun raffle winner Todd Merfeld received an ATI AR-15.Citizens and Veterans lined Main Street to start their ride after the Blessing of the Bikes by Reverend Todd Bilharz.The route for the event included New Hampton’s Chickasaw Veteran’s Memorial and Butches, Colwell Tap & Grill, Charles City Derailed, Marble Rock Veteran’s Memorial and Whitetail’s Bar & Grill.After many stops the riders came back for their final stop of the day to the Nashua Townhouse where it gave the American Legion Riders of Osage, Marine Corps and many other groups and riders had a chance to sit down and relax.“It was a chance to raise money for the Legion and VFW,” said Veteran Eric Bilharz.Their sacrifice will never be able to be repaid but this was a great chance for the public to show their gratitude, support and a way to thank their hometown heroes. If anyone was not able to honor and remember the Veteran’s this year they will be able to next year at the 3rd Annual “We Do Not Forget Ride.”