|
From Springfield to Litchfield,
Gold Star 500 rides to preserve the memories of fallen service
members
[September 06, 2025]
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (2025) –
The Gold Star 500 might begin in Springfield, Illinois’ capital
city, but Gold Star Mission’s more than 530-mile, five-day endurance
bicycle ride is about honoring real heroes: Illinois’ fallen service
members. From Sept. 23–27, riders will once again pedal across the
state to ensure we “Always Remember, Never Forget.”
Now in its ninth year, the Gold Star 500 continues to grow in reach,
community engagement, and impact. “Ensuring that the memory of our
fallen service members stays alive is vitally important to the soul
of our nation,” said Barry Tobias, President of Gold Star Mission.
“These men and women were willing – and did – give everything for
freedom and the United States of America.”
This year, three Gold Star Families will join the entire five-day
journey, playing active roles in greeting other families and
engaging with the communities along the route. Susan Weikert, Gold
Star Mom, said, “It is such a privilege to accompany these riders as
they honor our son Matthew and all the other Illinois fallen.
Meeting other families who have experienced similar loss, and seeing
them encounter this group honoring their loved ones, often for the
first time, is an overwhelming and emotional experience.”
The 2025 Route
• Day 1 (Sept. 23): Springfield → Lincoln → Clinton → Gibson City
• Day 2 (Sept. 24): Gibson City → Rantoul → Danville → Paris
• Day 3 (Sept. 25): Paris → Olney →
Noble → Flora
• Day 4 (Sept. 26): Flora → Mt. Vernon → Pinckneyville
• Day 5 (Sept. 27): Pinckneyville → Highland → Marine → Litchfield
(closing ceremonies)
Gold Star Mission expects 20–25 riders on the road each day with
tremendous community enthusiasm, especially from newly engaged towns
including Williamsville, Lincoln, Beason, Clinton, Gifford, Henning,
Danville, Georgetown, Chrisman, Ste. Marie, Olney, Clay City,
Pinckneyville, Nashville, Okawville, and Highland.
The ride concludes on Sept. 27, during Gold Star Family Weekend,
just before Gold Star Mothers’ Day on Sunday, Sept. 28.
[to top of second column] |
Impact Beyond
the Ride
Since its founding in 2017, Gold Star Mission has awarded 317
scholarships in honor of Illinois’ fallen, totaling $317,000.
Riders in official Gold Star Mission events have now covered
more than 146,740 miles – just under six times around the Earth.
The Fallen Heroes History Project has also expanded
significantly, with 14 professional videos produced to date.
These half-hour documentaries capture the stories of Illinois’
fallen through the voices of their families, friends, and fellow
service members, helping ensure their legacies endure for
generations.
About Gold Star Mission
Founded by Illinois National Guard members in 2017, Gold Star
Mission honors the sacrifice of the more than 300 Illinois
service members killed since Sept. 11, 2001, while supporting
their families through scholarships and remembrance projects. In
addition to the annual Gold Star 500, the organization leads the
Run for the Fallen, General Logan 200 bicycle ride, Scholarship
Awards and Appreciation Dinner, and the Fallen Heroes History
Project.
For more information about Gold Star Mission or how to get
involved, visit https://goldstarmission.org or email
publicrelations@goldstarmission.org
[Public Relations Team
Gold Star Mission]
 |
