Harley-Davidson and the U.S. Miltary: A Match For the Ages
Armed Forces, Veterans, and Harley-Davidson go together like Red, White and Blueby Tracey Lloyd
For over 80 years the Harley-Davidson Company has transported and protected soldiers with innovative technology and superior design. In return, thousands of Veterans and active duty soldiers bought and continue to buy H-D motorcycles, advancing the legendary motor company’s growth into a pop culture icon. Harley-Davidson’s long-standing policy of providing assistance to U.S. military personal remains consistent and firm. Through the years, H-D’s unwavering military support cultivated America’s love for the company so much that owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is now an integral part of the American dream.
During the Mexican Border conflict, Harley-Davidson got it’s first military order and the company developed a long-term relationship with the United States Armed Forces. In 1916 William S. Harley designed and built the first twelve military motorcycles with sidecar gunner carriages. The order for armed forces motorcycles quickly doubled.
During WWI Harley-Davidson produced original, specialized, military motorcycles specifically designed for wartime use. The H-D legend grew into mystique when just one day after the World War I armistice, the first American to enter Germany rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle across the border. By the end of WWII close to 70,000 American and Russian soldiers rode Harley-Davidson cycles. After the Persian Gulf War Harley-Davidson’s production of military motorcycles ended. However, the company continues to support American troops, disabled Veterans, and military families.
In spite of Harley-Davidson’s discontinuation of military production, literally thousands of Veterans, active duty soldiers, and their families will only ride American made Harley-Davidson motorcycles. At the Harley-Davidson website forums the question was asked, “How many combat veteran riders are out there?” There are 18 response pages from American Veterans who ride Harley’s. There are 26 response pages in answer to “How many Patriot Guard Riders out there?” The answers come from brave soldiers who served their country with honor and pride. True patriots, these men and women believe in freedom enough to risk their lives for it. The soldiers ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles, because the Harley-Davidson Motor Company still supports American freedom.
In addition, thousands of motorcycle clubs include members who are Veterans or active duty soldiers. The clubs boast past, present, and future heroes who are fiercely loyal to America and to the Harley-Davidson Company. Following Harley-Davidson’s example of social responsibility, Veteran motorcycle clubs are deeply committed to improving the quality of life for people in their communities. Each year Harley riders raise money for good causes like Toys for Tots or cancer victims. Through donations, bike runs, and fundraisers, local motorcycle clubs strive to make a positive difference in society while riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycles with pride.
Even though Harley-Davidson no longer builds military motorcycles, the company continues to honor active duty soldiers and Veterans. Last year in 2010, the Harley-Davidson Foundation granted $1 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization for the second time. The Harley website includes an entire section dedicated to the American soldiers and Veterans with links to special programs like Harley’s Heroes and fundraisers for USO care packages.
Since the first military order in 1916 the legendary Harley-Davidson Motor Company has continuously worked to make a difference in the lives of American soldiers. Due to superior design technology and a long history of loyalty and commitment to American troops, the Harley-Davidson Company is a true American icon and HD motorcycles are still America’s favorite ride.
To make a donation or learn more about Harley-Davidson’s past and present military support efforts, visit the Harley-Davidson Foundation or the Harley’s Heroes website.
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Photographs and captions courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives.