A true patriot, Legion Rider from Post 69 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, Ronald James stepped off his motorcycle to offer a tribute to veterans as the highlight of Hardtner's Fourth of July Parade.

"Thanks once again for having us in Hardtner, Kansas – one of the greatest places to be in the United States," James said. Mentioning the east and west coasts, James said with a laugh, "They just keep flying over us and wonder what we're doing down here."

"I can't help but look around here and see all these beautiful, wonderful friends of mine – family of mine. We're all family because of the men and women, both past, present and future, that have done all that they have – so much so that some have given their life to keep us free and happy here in this glorious United States," James said.

Calling his group the Legion Riders and Family, James said the American Legion actually started in 1919 during World War I in France when soldiers congregated at "the legion" to talk about their day.

"That was in March 1919 and in September 1919 Congress immediately recognized us – The American Legion – as a club that needed to be. From that point we have grown to about 15,000 posts around the nation and world. Anywhere there is a military post there is a legion. We have over 20 million members and are going strong. We love what we do – we do it for our military men and women – past, present, future."

James asked the crowd to recognize the veterans in the crowd and those who have passed with a round of applause. There was thunderous applause and waving of the red, white and blue. The Medicine Lodge Legion Riders formed in 2007. They give to multiple charities such as Wounded Warriors.

As he concluded, James said, "God bless America. We love you all."