Service is at the core of the American Legion.

Whether it’s on the local level or at the national level, it’s what Legionnaires do — and it’s what they’re known for.

That was the message American Legion National Cmdr. Clarence E. Hill shared with a group of about 70 people inside the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Tuesday evening.

Kicking off the 2010 Legacy Run visit in Albert Lea, Hill explained the premise behind the ride that’s gained publicity across the nation.

“We don’t just ride because it’s fun,” he said. “We ride to serve.”

In its fifth year, the Legacy Run was organized to ensure children who have lost a parent at war receive the education they need and deserve.

Each year, riders travel from Indianapolis to the location of the national Legion convention.

Prior to this year, $1.8 million had been raised for the cause.

“Serving, whether on two wheels or two legs, is what we’re all about,” Hill said.

He explained some of the other involvement the Legion is having on the national level.

Aside from the Legacy Scholarship Fund, he said the Legion is interested in making sure people leaving the military are finding a job, and is trying to raise $250,000 to set up job fairs for veterans.

The organization aims to end homelessness among veterans and is holding strong to its values.

But it’s what’s being down on the local level that makes people notice who Legionnaires are, Hill said, noting participation in things such as Girls State, Boys State, Legion baseball, and memorial services, among others.

“Albert Lea has demonstrated it is a Legion town,” he said.

He noted that the Legion has gained 55,000 new members this year, and the organization is finding new ways to speak out to veterans.

It has revamped its website and is reaching out on social media sites including Facebook and Twitter.

He said while nothing should replace face-to-face contact, the Legion is taking advantage of the advances in technology.

A Legionnaire of 27 years, Hill said it is important to remember the Legion heritage as the organization reaches out to new members.

Following his remarks, Hill presented Albert Lea Mayor Mike Murtaugh with a plaque for the city, giving Albert Lea a “right-hand salute of respect” for its involvement in the fifth-annual Legacy Run.

As Murtaugh thanked Hill for coming to Albert Lea, the sound of motorcycles could be heard from the street.

The event, planned through the American Legion Leo Carey Post 56 and Legionnaires of the surrounding communities, had been months in the making.

“It means a lot to Post 56 — just to have the excitement of patriotic citizens and Legionnaires,” Adjutant Arnie Mulso said as he looked over the crowd outside in the North Broadway Avenue parking lot after the speech. “It’s almost indescribable.”

As the riders were socializing and sitting down to eat, Hill talked about the welcome the riders received into Albert Lea.

He said when the riders came from Iowa into Minnesota they were greeted by people with signs on the overpasses. He was also impressed that so many members of the community, including city officials, were at the event.

“This is fantastic,” Hill said.

Michele Steinmetz, a staff member with the Legacy Run, said the Albert Lea community was “by far the best welcome we’ve had.”

The riders, who ranged in age from their 20s to veterans of World War II, left Indianapolis Sunday, stopped for the night in Concordia, Mo., and then rode to Bethany, Mo., on Monday. They traveled through Iowa Tuesday, ending in Albert Lea Tuesday night. The group was scheduled to travel to Stevens Point, Wis., Wednesday and ultimately end Thursday in Milwaukee, covering more than 1,400 miles over the five days.

Hill said as of Tuesday night there had been great weather — no rain — and riders were making stops every 100 miles.

There were between 250 and 300 riders taking part, and as of Tuesday at about noon more than $160,000 had already been raised.

The first four years of the Legacy Run had raised $1.8 million.

To follow the riders on their journey, visit http://www.legion.org/riders/legacy.