Just Writing Through: Military and Motorcycles

As part of my research for a project, I headed up to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Since falling into some writing projects involving motorcycles – specifically those of the Harley-Davidson variety, I have been known to photograph the shiny chrome, the power of the V-twin engines and the (sometimes intimidating) leather every once-in-a-while.

All of the fancy motorcycle parts, the excitement of riding just a little quicker than on my ten-speed and making a lot of noise may sound like fun, but what genuinely draws me in are the people.

I’ve met extraordinary veterans who are loyal Harley-Davidson riders. Their faithfulness to the brand and their commitment to supporting fellow veterans never cease to astound me.

There is something of a motorcycle phenomenon amongst military veterans, and the crux of my research has been on the rich history between the military and The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. I went to the museum to look at the origins of this bond.

As it turns out, the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. had been involved in providing vehicles to the U.S. military since 1916, contributing 24 bikes outfitted with sidecars to carry artillery during the Mexican-American Border Conflict.

This relationship proved so successful that when WWI came around, Harley-Davidson again contributed immensely to the military front. During WWII, HD continued to supply wartime vehicles.

Military veterans are used to the camaraderie of their brothers and sisters in arms during active duty. It is a bond that knows no bounds during service time, and a similar nexus is sought amongst veterans after they return to civilian life.

Motorcycle clubs provide a similar camaraderie for these men and women who serve and who have served our country. I have witnessed many examples of this solidarity over the last several years. Whether it be the generosity and kindness among bikers at a memorial unveiling, veterans memorializing a fallen MC brother, Harley-Davidson riders supporting Operation Mustang or a Marine veteran designing the first-in-the-nation veterans memorial on Harley-Davidson dealership grounds, there is a bond that founders William S. Harley and William A., Arthur and Walter Davidson began over a century ago between the military and the motorcycle, and it is that bond which continues today.

Motorcycle enthusiast or not, Harley-Davidson is a part of our culture. It has played an integral part in our country’s military history. It is hugely popular amongst veterans. And, it is a corporation whose dealerships across the nation unilaterally support the military – like Woodstock Harley-Davidson, whose first-in-the-nation veterans memorial designed by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Timothy J. Crabb brings together veterans, civilians and bike enthusiasts under a beautiful garrison- size American flag uniting the eclectic crew.