Tribute to WWII: Inaugural motorcycle ride benefits Milwaukee's War Memorial Center

GREENFIELD/MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The first-ever motorcycle ride to benefit the War Memorial Center along Milwaukee’s lakefront kicked off Thursday morning, Sept. 3, from the House of Harley in Greenfield.

At least 200 riders participated in the 45-minute trek. The event also pays tribute to the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, and those who served and lost their lives during this conflict, and Harley-Davidson's general support of the military.

"We're honoring our prior generation. We have a WWII veteran who's here today who's our VIP, second wave, and Battle of the Bulge and he's 97 years young. So he's awesome. We're honoring that generation and really honoring those who never came home. The 18, 19, 20 year old's who were taken from this world at the prime of their lives defending this nation," said Dan Buttery, president and CEO of the War Memorial Center. 

The ride to the War Memorial Center is the official start to Rally Weekend 2020 happening Sept. 3-6.