RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA — West Coast Thunder Foundation today announced a $50,000 donation to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee. This generous contribution will help build the construction of the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery.
The funds were raised from the West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride, which took place on May 27, 2024. The event, which is produced by West Coast Thunder Foundation, attracts thousands of local residents and motorcycle enthusiasts nationwide, uniting them in a shared mission to honor and memorialize fallen service members and raise funds for veterans’ causes.
“We are proud to continue to support the construction of this important memorial,” said Jackson Dodd, Executive Director of West Coast Thunder Foundation. “It is a fitting tribute to the brave American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander veterans who have served our country with honor and distinction.”
The American Indian Veterans Memorial will be a place of reflection and remembrance, honoring the sacrifices of American Indian veterans. The memorial will feature a striking bronze statue, “The Gift,” depicting an American Indian draped in an American Flag. Set within a plaza and walkway designed for reflection, this memorial will become an integral part of the Veterans Legacy Program, educating future generations about the invaluable service of Native American heroes.
“This donation brings the fundraising effort to more than a million dollars,” said Jim Gore, Chairman of the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, the non-profit organization dedicated to providing upkeep and support and funding for monuments and equipment to the Riverside National Cemetery. “With their continued support, this memorial is one step closer to becoming a reality.”
“This donation will help us ensure that the sacrifices of our American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander veterans are never forgotten,” Dodd added.
Planning for West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride 2025 is underway, the West Coast Thunder Foundation confirmed. The event will take place May 26, 2025.
About West Coast Thunder Foundation: West Coast Thunder Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds through community outreach, including organizing the country’s largest motorcycle ride every Memorial Day. Proceeds from all West Coast Thunder Foundation events benefit monument construction and other ancillary services at Riverside National Cemetery via Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.
Since 2000, West Coast Thunder Foundation has been the major contributor of funds to Riverside National Cemetery, the largest in the United States National Cemetery System. The foundation has begun funding the construction of the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery, which broke ground in 2020. Past projects have included the construction of the National POW / MIA Memorial (dedicated in 2005), repairs to the Medal of Honor Memorial, and financial support to the Riverside National Cemetery Memorial Honor Detail.
About Riverside National Cemetery: Now covering 1,250 acres, Riverside National Cemetery is the largest and busiest cemetery managed by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. The cemetery was established in 1976 through the transfer of 740 acres from March Air Force Base. The cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials on November 11, 1978.
About Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee: Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide upkeep and support to the Riverside National Cemetery. They provide activities for veterans, their families and friends, and the community. The committee also raises funds to create monuments, purchases needed equipment, and provides services for events and the dedicated staff that works at Riverside National Cemetery.
Photo: A $50,000 donation from the West Coast Thunder Foundation will help fund the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery. The check presentation took place on October 23, 2024. (Photo: Mike Pagaduan/West Coast Thunder Foundation)
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