Ride begins at Sheldon Harley Davidson-ends at American Legion Post

Worcester, Massachusetts, June 17, 2003- The Central Massachusetts Chapter of the Nam Knights of America, a military and law enforcement motorcycle club, is planning a "poker run" (rain or shine) on June 22, 2003 to raise funds to help construct the Central Massachusetts Korean War Memorial.

Riders can register in advance at the Sheldon Harley Davidson, 914 Southbridge Street, Auburn or at the John Mateychuk American Legion Post at 1 School Street in Manchaug. Registration is $15 for an individual or $20 for a couple - passengers are $5 each. Registration on the day of the event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Sheldon Harley Davidson or at the John Mateychuck Legion Post.

Stops will include the Veterans of Foreign War Post on Ballard Street, Worcester, the Rutland Rod & Gun Club and the Singletary Rod & Gun Club in Oxford. The run will end at the Manchaug American Legion Post at 1 School Street, where there will be food as well as entertainment provided by Country Western band Charlie Angel and Fiddling Ed with the Country Express.

In addition to pledges and donations, raffles and a 50/50 drawing will be held - with one door prize being 100 gallons of home heating oil. All of the net proceeds will go to the fund the Korean War Memorial. The memorial will honor veterans and the 191 brave young men and women from Central Massachusetts who paid the supreme sacrifice during the Korean War.

Francis R. Carroll, Chairman of the Korean War Memorial Committee, expressed his gratitude to the motorcycle club and its President James "Maddog" Fitzpatrick for their efforts. "We have raised more than two-thirds of the funds needed to build this memorial, so in these final stages of fundraising, we welcome this patriotic effort by the Nam Knights."

The Nam Knights are perhaps best known for "Rolling Thunder," a Memorial Day motorcycle ride to Washington, D.C. to honor veterans and those who gave their lives for our country.

Anyone wanting more information about the memorial should call Toll Free 1-800-343-0939, extension 234. Meanwhile, donations can be sent to the Korean War Memorial Committee of Central Mass., Inc., P.O. Box 16568, Worcester, MA 01601.