Illinois,Manteno: Motorcycle ride raises thousands for veterans

OFF THE WIRE
Emily Zulz
ezulz@daily-journal.com
815-929-5408
World War II veteran Bob Fisher sat in a Harley-Davidson sweatshirt, watching as a seemingly never-ending line of almost 2,000 motorcycles entered through the flag-lined entrance at the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno Sunday.

The bikes of varying colors, sizes and shapes traveled from the Oak Lawn Harley-Davidson dealership to the veterans home as part of the 12th annual Manteno Veterans Ride. Many of those participating in the ride are veterans themselves.

Fisher and his daughter -- Deb Anderson, of Chebanse, who also works at the veterans home -- have attended the past three rides. Fisher, 85, has been a resident at the home for a little more than two years.

"We always have Dad at the front to see the motorcycles come in," Anderson said. "Last year, he started saluting and they saluted back. I always get teared up."...