Harley-Davidson and Military Appreciation Month

The Harley-Davidson Corporation's Involvement in Veterans' Affairs

Nov 15, 2009 Linda Gentile

Harley-Davidson has been involved with veterans and the military since the early 20th century. Today, the Harley-Davidson Foundation actively helps disabled veterans.

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a long history of involvement in the military; many veterans are also Harley riders. According to marketing director Dino Bernacchi, 14% of Harley-Davidson employees and 30% of its customers have been actively involved in the military.

Harley-Davidson's military history started during the Mexican Revolution when Francisco Villa illegally entered the United States and attacked Columbus, New Mexico.

Harley-Davidson's History of Involvement in the Military

The United States retaliated in an action commonly known as the Mexican Expedition (the Pancho Villa Expedition). The campaign took place between March 1916 and February 1917 and, according to Harley-Davidson, was the first time that its motorcycles were used by the military.

The Harley-Davidson military tradition continued through World War I. In 1917, almost a third of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles went to military use; in 1918, that percentage had increased to 50%. By the end of WWI, estimates peg the number of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in military use at around 20,000.

This trend continued through World War II with some 90,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles specially adapted for the military. As a result of its service, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company received four Army-Navy Excellence (E) awards. According to the Navy Department Library website, "The War Department and the Navy Department have agreed to make a single award to individual plants which have achieved outstanding performance on war production, to be known as the Army-Navy Production Award."

Harley-Davidson's Modern-Day Support of Veterans

The Harley-Davidson Foundation partners with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) non-profit, which provides services to disabled veterans. Its $1 million contribution helps pay for mobile service units which tour Harley-Davidson dealerships.

The Harley's Heroes Tour brings services where they might not otherwise be available. Such services include helping veterans make claims for benefits, providing transportation to medical facilities and educating the public about issues faced by disabled veterans.

In November 2009, Harley-Davidson launched Military Appreciation Month as a tribute to military personnel. The company photographed model and American Cancer Society spokeswoman Marisa Miller for a calendar, offered web backgrounds and free postcards, and made it possible for those who wish to thank military personnel to leave a message on the site.

Other Articles About Motorcycles and Motorcycling

Heated Motorcycle Clothes for Winter Riding – Harley-Davidson's Veteran Appreciation Month is November, a cold time for riders. Learn what body-warming options are available for motorcyclists.
The Best Holiday Gifts for Motorcyclists – Evergreen gift ideas for motorcycle riders and those who live with them.
Sharing the Road With Motorcylists – Safety tips that motorcyclists can pass on to non-riders for better road safety

The copyright of the article Harley-Davidson and Military Appreciation Month in Motorcycles/Off-Road is owned by Linda Gentile. Permission to republish Harley-Davidson and Military Appreciation Month in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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