After more than a decade away from the open road, Vietnam veteran Harry Schossow recently experienced the joy of motorcycle riding again—this time from the seat of a sidecar. Surrounded by more than 60 motorcycles and over 100 supporters, Schossow’s return to the road was not just a ride, but a powerful moment of community, remembrance, and gratitude. This uplifting story from Perham, Minnesota, highlights the enduring bond between veterans and those who honor their service, and it speaks to the healing power of shared experiences and support.
Schossow, who served in Vietnam, had to give up riding motorcycles in 2010 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Before his diagnosis, he and his wife Bonnie enjoyed many rides together, embracing the freedom and exhilaration that came with every mile. The veteran describes that feeling in one word: “Freedom.” It’s the same freedom he says he fought for during his time in the military, and the same feeling that returned to him as he rode once more, this time with a group of bikers riding in solidarity.
Although he wasn’t at the handlebars, Schossow’s ride in a sidecar was no less meaningful. “Going where you want, doing what you want, the wind in your hair—it’s a great feeling,” he shared. That sense of liberation, even in a different seat, brought back a cherished part of his life. I found this detail striking: even when physical limitations change the way we participate in what we love, the emotional connection remains just as strong.
The event was made possible through the efforts of McKay Ness, Schossow’s chaplain at Perham Living. Wanting to find a way to reconnect the veteran with the open road, Ness helped organize the ride with the FM Legion Riders, a group known for supporting veterans in meaningful ways. The turnout exceeded all expectations. More than 60 motorcycles made a nearly 70-mile round trip, escorting Schossow past familiar places—including his old dairy farm on County Highway 8—and on to the Menahga VFW before returning to Perham. The route itself was symbolic, weaving together memories of home, service, and community.
Wayne Hogenson of the FM Legion Riders noted that he had a feeling the event would draw a strong response—and he was right. The overwhelming support from friends, family, and even strangers moved Bonnie Schossow to tears. “I can’t find the words to express how this makes us feel,” she said. “I’m sorry, but we’re really proud of him.” Her emotion speaks volumes about the impact of the day, not only for Harry but for those who have walked alongside him through decades of challenges and triumphs.
For Vietnam veterans like Schossow, such recognition holds particular weight. Bonnie noted that many veterans from that era didn’t receive the welcome home they deserved. The outpouring of support during this ride offered a kind of long-overdue acknowledgment, a communal thank-you that resonated deeply with those in attendance. The motorcycle ride wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about visibility, dignity, and healing.
Chaplain Ness shared that Schossow once told him, “Everyone needs a friend.” That simple yet profound sentiment reflects the core of the event. It was about more than motorcycles—it was about connection. Ness described Harry and Bonnie as people who always go above and beyond for others, and this ride was an opportunity to give something back to them. The community’s response showed just how much that generosity has meant over the years.
As the caravan rolled through Perham and beyond, it wasn’t just the rumble of engines that filled the air—it was a sense of unity. The FM Legion Riders, who frequently organize events to support veterans, made it clear that their mission is ongoing. Those interested in arranging similar experiences for the veterans in their lives can reach out to the group through their Facebook page.
For Harry and Bonnie, the ride was more than a day trip. It was a celebration of resilience, partnership, and enduring love. The couple will mark 53 years of marriage this September, a milestone that adds another layer of meaning to the journey they took together on that August day. As Harry himself put it, having Bonnie by his side was the best part of the ride.
This story is a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served, not just with words but with actions that affirm their value and humanity. Whether it’s a motorcycle ride, a community gathering, or a simple gesture of friendship, these moments matter. They tell our veterans that they are not forgotten and that their sacrifices continue to be recognized and appreciated.
