BIKES: Harley-Davidson Salutes Active And Retired With Military Appreciation Month

The centerpiece of “Military Appreciation Month” is the opportunity for other Americans to salute active and retired military members

Harley Davidson Communications | Posted November 03, 2009 Milwaukee, WI

Marissa Miller, fellow rider and U.S. Military supporter on the Cross Bones Motorycle with Genuine Harley-Davidson Motor Accessories. (Photo: Harley-Davidson)

Ever since the first American troops rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the Mexican Expedition in 1916, the Motor Company has enjoyed a innate bond with the men and women who have served our nation. To honor the service of active and retired U.S. military personnel, Harley-Davidson has declared November “Military Appreciation Month.”

The centerpiece of “Military Appreciation Month” is the opportunity for other Americans to salute active and retired military members. People can log onto a special section of the Harley-Davidson Web site – www.harley-davidson.com/thankyou -- where they can create an electronic postcard featuring supermodel Marisa Miller and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as include a personal message of gratitude.

People can also secure limited-edition posters, postcards and calendars featuring Miller and Harley-Davidson motorcycles exclusively at Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the month of November. The “Military Appreciation Month” creative material featuring Miller pays tribute to the nostalgic military images painted by service members on the sides of U.S. bombers during World War II. Miller wears uniforms representing all five branches of the military in the photorealism styled creative.

“At Harley-Davidson, we’re all about freedom, but we can’t forget that freedom comes at a price,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson’s director of Advertising and Promotions. “It’s humbling to think of the countless sacrifices these brave men and women – and their families – have made to keep our country free, so the Harley-Davidson family is honored to partner with Marisa to help salute military personnel this month.”

The Motor Company is also rewarding active and retired military personnel with the opportunity to win a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle of their choice – delivered personally by Miller. Created in partnership with Maxim magazine, the “Harley Salutes the Military Contest” asks active military service men and women and veterans to answer five multiple choice questions and one fill-in-the-blank question asking, “what has been your proudest moment when serving your country?”

Beginning November 2, active and retired military personnel can log onto www.harley-davidson.com/thankyou and be directed to the contest. In addition to the Harley-Davidson motorcycle of their choice, the “Harley Salutes the Military Contest” winner will also receive free Rider’s Edge motorcycle training and tickets for them and three friends to attend the January 2, 2010, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Las Vegas.

“I’m honored to help the Motor Company salute the brave men and women who keep our country free,” said Miller. “My grandfather is a veteran, and I’ve had the unique opportunity to meet several service men and women during recent USO tours, so the military holds a special place in my heart. I hope other Americans will join me and Harley-Davidson in saluting these real life heroes during the month of November.”

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