Motorcycle club takes on Memorial Day project

WASILLA — While many across the country consider the Memorial Day weekend a kickoff to summer, many also observe the true meaning of the day—remembering those Americans who gave all in defending its freedom. Members of the Mechanized Cavalry Motorcycle Club of Wasilla are of the latter mindset.

Between the spits of rain and a cold breeze blanketing the heart of the Mat-Su Friday afternoon, a majority of the club’s nine members spent hours along the complete stretch of Bogard Road placing Memorial Day wreaths. Bogard Road is also the Valley’s Veterans’ Memorial Highway and 14 signs adorn its shoulders noting that.

Most of the nine group members started at both ends of the road which runs from west of Wasilla to the Glenn Highway, stopping at each sign, unpacking ladders, wreaths and related tools, and adorning each sign with a wreath, along with an American and Prisoner of War (POW) flag.

Member Dan Garrett said this marks the first year the club has taken on the responsibility and honor of placing the memorials along the highway. Previously, it had been the task of Kevin Burke.

“We put them up for Memorial Day and we take them down on Veteran’s Day,” Garrett said. “We also maintain them all summer. There are 14 signs along the highway.”

Garrett said community support makes it all possible.

“All of it comes from donations. American Legion Post 31 (Wasilla) is really supportive,” Garrett said. “There are also a lot of private donations that help support it.”