A little rain Sunday morning wasn’t enough to stop the fourth annual benefit ride to Frankenmuth, held by Orion Lodge #46 F & A M (Free and Accepted Masons) and the Michigan Masonic Motorcycle Association.
‘It’s a wonderful expression of appreciation for our country to see the group doing this in rainy weather,? said Joe Mastromatteo, chairman of the Orion Veterans Memorial.
This is the first year that ride will benefit Lake Orion’s Veterans Memorial Fund. In previous years the ride has helped the Lake Orion Police Department’s K-9 Unit, the Lake Orion Fire Department and the Thin Blue Line, which helps the widows of police officers.
The money raised from the trip will go towards the granite walls at the memorial. The walls will display the military branches of service, Orion area military role of honor and the benefactors? wall.
‘The Orion Veterans Memorial appreciates the thoughtfulness of the Michigan Masonic Motorcycle Association of what they are doing to help build the memorial,? said Mastromatteo.
Before the ride, road captain Leon Richardson, of Orion Lodge #46, led the riders in a prayer for a safe trip. Following a police car, the riders left on their trip at 11:30 a.m. with plans to return to the memorial later in the afternoon.
Anyone who is interested in making a donation to the Veterans Memorial Fund can call (248)693-6633.