Aux Files

Madonna of the Trail

The Madonna of the Trail monuments were placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution between 1928 and 1929 to honor the spirit and sacrifice of the pioneer women who helped settle the American West. The monuments were placed along the National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, which later became parts of U.S. Highway 40 and Route 66.

There are 12 Madonna of the Trail monuments located from Maryland to California, with one monument in each state along the historic route. Together, they represent the coast-to-coast journey of the early pioneers and the determination and courage of the families who traveled west.

Sculptor August Leimbach described the monument as a tribute to the pioneer mother — a woman strong and brave, protecting her children and family in an unknown and often dangerous land — symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of the women who helped shape the nation.

The Challenge — Sea to Shining Sea

This challenge is to visit and photograph all 12 Madonna of the Trail monuments during the current rally season, between April 1 and October 31.

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The Madonna of the Trail monument
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

GPX File

• Revised April 2026

American Doughboys

The Doughboy category began as a way for Tour of Honor riders to assist historians and researchers working to locate and document surviving World War I Doughboy statues across the country. With riders traveling nationwide each year, Tour of Honor serves as an extra set of eyes to help document and preserve the history of these statues.

On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I. American soldiers and Marines of that era became known as “Doughboys.” The most famous World War I memorial statue is the “Spirit of the American Doughboy,” sculpted by Ernest Moore “Dick” Viquesney. Approximately 140 of these statues are known to exist across the United States, commonly located in courthouse squares, parks, and cemeteries.

Not all Doughboy statues have been documented. If you locate an unlisted Viquesney Doughboy not currently on the Tour of Honor list, please notify the scorers so the researchers can continue building the national registry.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph World War I Doughboy statues. The primary focus is on E.M. Viquesney “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statues, but other Doughboy statues are also accepted if they are at least two feet tall.

Tour of Honor Doughboy Finisher Levels

• Bronze Level – 10 different Doughboys
• Silver Level – 20 different Doughboys
• Gold Level – 30 different Doughboys
• Kirian Level – 50 different Doughboys

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The statue or monument
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

GPX File

• Revised 4/17/2026

War Dogs and K9 Heroes

When the United States began using canines in combat roles, it changed military operations forever. Dogs were trained to perform tasks that were difficult or dangerous for humans, including scouting, message delivery, search and rescue, and detecting mines and explosives.

During World War II, more than 11,000 dogs were trained and served in a variety of roles, including Scout Dogs, Messenger Dogs, Tracker Dogs, Sledge Dogs, and Pack Dogs. By the Vietnam War, their roles had evolved to include Scout Dogs, Tracker Dogs, and Detection Dogs trained to locate mines, tunnels, trip wires, and booby traps. Although thousands of dogs served in Vietnam, only a small number returned home, as many were left behind or euthanized. Today, that practice has ended, and most military working dogs are now returned to the United States and often adopted by their handlers.

War dogs have also served with law enforcement, fire departments, and search and rescue teams. These K9 heroes help locate missing persons, detect explosives and narcotics, track suspects, and assist in disaster response. Their service has saved countless lives in both military and civilian roles.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph War Dog and Law Enforcement K9 memorials that are at least one foot tall. Law Enforcement K9s are defined as dogs in a working capacity such as bomb detection, arson investigation, search and rescue, or similar service roles. Mascots, pets, and support animals are not eligible.

Tour of Honor Finisher Levels

• Bronze – 10 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes
• Silver – 20 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes
• Gold – 30 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes
• Sirius Level – 50 different War Dogs or K9 Heroes

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The memorial
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

GPX File

• Revised 4/17/2026

Huey Helicopters

Memorials featuring UH-1 Huey helicopters preserved and displayed as tributes to aviation and military history. The Huey became an icon of the Vietnam War and continues to serve as a symbol of American military heritage.

The Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter was designed in 1952 as a utility and medical evacuation helicopter for the United States Army. By 1963, the UH-1 was in widespread use in Vietnam and quickly became the workhorse of that war. Hueys were used for troop transport, medical evacuation, and combat support, often equipped with machine guns, rockets, and grenade launchers. More than 7,000 Hueys were deployed to Vietnam, and nearly half were lost in combat.

The Huey’s distinctive two-bladed rotor system produced the well-known “whoop-whoop” sound that became one of the most recognizable sounds of the Vietnam War. The need to protect troop transports eventually led to the development of the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter in 1967, which used many of the same components as the UH-1.

More than 10% of Vietnam casualties were helicopter crew members, many of them door gunners who served in extremely exposed positions. The average life expectancy of a door gunner in Vietnam was only a few weeks. This category honors those crews and the aircraft that supported troops throughout the war.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph life-size UH-1 (Huey) and AH-1 (Cobra) helicopters in military color schemes. Helicopters must include the main rotor with two blades and the tail section with rotor blades attached.

Multiple Hueys at the same location may be scored if each helicopter has a visible serial number or identifiable markings.

Tour of Honor Huey Finisher Levels

• Bronze – 10 different Hueys
• Silver – 20 different Hueys
• Gold – 30 different Hueys
• Crew Chief Level – 50 different Hueys

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The qualifying Huey helicopter
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

Important Notes

• Helicopters restored to flying status or trailered displays are eligible if the serial number is included with the submission.
• Helicopters converted to firefighting, law enforcement, or other non-military uses are not eligible.
• Helicopters missing rotor assemblies or incomplete airframes are not eligible.
• Four-bladed rotor helicopters (AH-64 Apache or AH-1Z) are not eligible for this challenge.
• Photos of museum doors, hangars, or restricted areas when access is not available are not eligible for scoring.
• Some locations may have access restrictions such as military bases, museums, or limited visiting hours. Riders are responsible for determining access before visiting.

Locations not yet documented on the Tour of Honor list are encouraged to be submitted. Include multiple photos (full view, tail number, plaque, signage) along with GPS coordinates or location information.

GPX File

• Revised 5/9/2026

Gold Star Family Memorials

Gold Star Family memorials honor the families of service members who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The term “Gold Star” dates back to World War I, when families displayed a service flag with a blue star for each family member serving in the military. If a service member was killed in action, the blue star was replaced with a gold star, symbolizing sacrifice for the cause of liberty and freedom.

In recent years, Hershel “Woody” Williams, Medal of Honor recipient, helped inspire a nationwide effort to ensure Gold Star Families would always have a place of recognition in their communities. Through the Woody Williams Foundation and other organizations, memorials honoring Gold Star Families have been built across the country. These memorials take many forms, including the Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments as well as other monuments and memorials dedicated to Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Families, and surviving family members of fallen service members.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph Gold Star Family memorials that honor the families of fallen service members. This includes Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments as well as other memorials specifically dedicated to Gold Star Families, Gold Star Mothers, or the families of those killed in action.

Tour of Honor Gold Star Finisher Levels

• Bronze – 10 different Gold Star memorials
• Silver – 20 different Gold Star memorials
• Gold – 30 different Gold Star memorials
• Woody Level – 50 different Gold Star memorials

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The qualifying monument
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

Important Notes

• Some locations may have access restrictions such as military bases, museums, cemeteries, or limited visiting hours. Riders are responsible for determining access before visiting.
• Photos of buildings, gates, or restricted areas when access to the memorial is not available are not eligible for scoring.
• Riders are encouraged to submit new or previously undocumented Gold Star memorials for inclusion in the Tour of Honor list.

GPX File

• Revised 4/28/2026

9/11 Memorials

September 11, 2001, is a date that changed the United States forever. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, including civilians, police officers, firefighters, and military personnel. These memorials across the country honor those who lost their lives, the first responders who gave everything in rescue efforts, and the men and women who later served in the War on Terror.

The Michael Carlo Level is named in honor of New York City firefighter Michael Carlo, who lost his life in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. His brother, retired New York City firefighter and Tour of Honor rider Rob Carlo, rides in his brother’s memory and in honor of the 343 firefighters who perished that day. Rob rides to ensure that we never forget.

Ride with respect, ride with pride, ride with honor. And never forget.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph memorials that include a reference to September 11, 2001. Only one credit will be scored per memorial and only one per location. Memorial trees and memorial gardens without a monument or marker are not eligible.

Tour of Honor 9/11 Finisher Levels

• Bronze – 10 different 9/11 Memorials
• Silver – 20 different 9/11 Memorials
• Gold – 30 different 9/11 Memorials
• Michael Carlo Level – 50 different 9/11 Memorials

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The qualifying memorial
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

Important Notes

• Only one memorial per location will be scored.
• Memorial trees or memorial gardens without a monument, plaque, or marker are not eligible.
• Some locations may have access restrictions such as military bases, museums, cemeteries, or limited visiting hours. Riders are responsible for determining access before visiting.
• Photos of buildings, gates, or restricted areas when access to the memorial is not available are not eligible for scoring.
• Riders are encouraged to submit new or previously undocumented memorials for inclusion in the Tour of Honor list.

GPX File

• Revised: 5/3/2026

Merci Train Cars

The “Merci Train,” or “Gratitude Train,” was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in appreciation for the Friendship Food Train that Americans sent to war-torn Europe in 1947. In 1949, France sent 49 World War I era boxcars to the United States — one for each state at the time, with one shared between Washington, DC and the Territory of Hawaii, as Alaska and Hawaii were not yet states.

Each boxcar was filled with gifts from the citizens of France as a gesture of gratitude and friendship. The boxcars were known as the “40 et 8,” meaning “40 men or 8 horses,” referring to the capacity of the small railcars that had transported troops during World War I.

When the boxcars arrived in 1949, many states toured their car around the state so citizens could view the gifts and messages of thanks from the people of France before the cars were placed on permanent display. Today, these historic boxcars remain as symbols of friendship between France and the United States.

Of the original 49 boxcars, 43 are known to have survived and are preserved in parks, museums, fairgrounds, and veterans’ organizations across the country. Some cars are currently undergoing restoration or relocation. The Utah car is currently under restoration and awaiting transportation back to Utah for display.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph preserved Merci Train boxcars. Only one credit will be scored per site.

Tour of Honor Merci Train Finisher Levels

• Bronze – 10 different Merci Train Cars
• Silver – 20 different Merci Train Cars
• Gold – 30 different Merci Train Cars

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

• The qualifying Merci Train Car
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
• Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

Parking or riding on sidewalks or lawns is not permitted unless specifically authorized by local law enforcement or memorial caretakers.

Important Notes

• Only one credit will be scored per location.
• Some locations may have access restrictions such as museums, military installations, cemeteries, or limited visiting hours. Riders are responsible for determining access before visiting.
• Photos of buildings, gates, or restricted areas when access to the railcar is not available are not eligible for scoring.
• Riders are encouraged to report restored, relocated, or previously undocumented Merci Cars for inclusion in the Tour of Honor list.

GPX File

• Revised 4/17/2026

Paying Respects — Veterans Cemeteries

This ride is intended as a respectful visit to the final resting places of our nation’s veterans. Eligible locations include Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries and State Veterans Cemeteries. These cemeteries are considered hallowed ground and riders are expected to conduct themselves with respect at all times.

Veterans sections within private cemeteries and newly discovered cemeteries are not eligible for this ride.

The Challenge

The challenge is to visit and document National and State Veterans Cemeteries across the country during DAYTIME HOURS only. Two photos are required for each cemetery visit.

Tour of Honor Veterans Cemetery Finisher Levels

• Bronze – 10 different Cemeteries
• Silver – 20 different Cemeteries
• Gold – 30 different Cemeteries
• Slow Hand Salute Level – 50 different Cemeteries

Photo Requirements (Two Photos Required)

Each submission must include two photos:

Photo A — Entrance Photo

• The main entrance, gate, or cemetery sign
• Your motorcycle
• Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)

Photo B — Inside the Cemetery

• Taken from inside the cemetery grounds beyond the gate
• Must include one of the following:
  • A grouping of headstones, or
  • A cemetery monument, or
  • A flag display
• Rider flag and motorcycle must be visible in at least one of the two photos

If the motorcycle cannot safely be included inside the cemetery due to local restrictions, access, or safety concerns, the motorcycle must be clearly visible in at least one of the two photos submitted.

Parking or riding on sidewalks or lawns is not permitted unless specifically authorized by cemetery staff or local authorities.

Important Notes

• Daytime photos only will be scored.
• Many cemeteries are open sunrise to sunset, but some have limited hours or may close for services. Riders are responsible for checking access before visiting.
• If the entrance gate is closed for a service, riders must wait until the cemetery reopens to obtain the required inside photo.
• Photos of closed gates, barricades, or entrances without an inside cemetery photo will not be scored.
• Tour of Honor scorers will have final determination on photo eligibility.

GPX File

• Revised 4/17/2026