The national commander of the American Legion is coming to Albert Lea later this month.

Clarence E. Hill will address Legion members at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. Aug. 24. The public is invited, with $10 donations being accepted that go to the Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The visit takes place concurrently with the visit of the American Legion Legacy Run, a 1,400-mile motorcycle ride beginning in Indianapolis, the site of the American Legion headquarters, and ending in Milwaukee.

The Legacy Run is organized by the American Legion and the American Legion Riders. The Riders are a motorcycle enthusiast assocation within the national Legion organization. There are about 106,000 Riders members. One well-known chapter in the Midwest is the Patriot Guard, which protects funerals of fallen soldiers from protesters.

The Legacy Run was estimated to bring about 460 riders to Albert Lea, though it could be as many 600 or 700. According to information from the Albert Lea Legion Club, this is the first visit to Albert Lea for a national commander. And the club notes it could be the final year for the Legacy Run.

Hill will greet area post commanders and meet members of the press at 5 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the Legion Riders arrive on Broadway Avenue. The Community Band will play starting at 5:30 p.m.

It is the first time the 17-year ride has stopped or gone through Albert Lea. The ride raises money for scholarships for children who have lost parents in the line of military duty.