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Freedom Celebration Honors Military with Full Day of Patriotic Events

Salute Those Who Serve at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Military Tribute!

Reserve Now

Supporting soldiers and veterans has long been a tradition at the Buffalo Chip, and again this year the Chip will be dedicating an entire day to the acknowledgment of these brave men and women. Help honor the past and present members of our military during the 35th annual Freedom Celebration on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025!

Experience a variety of powerful presentations, moving events and inspiring performances, all specifically designed to recognize those who have selflessly served and, in some instances, sacrificed their lives during the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s® Military Tribute Day.

In addition to official Freedom Celebration events, you have the opportunity throughout the Rally to honor those who have served by visiting several meaningful military tributes located at Buffalo Chip’s free-access Freedom Field adjacent to the CrossRoads.

 

  Who:

 

You and your friends.
  What: Buffalo Chip’s 35th Annual Freedom Celebration
  When:

Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025

  • 7:00 p.m. – Star Spangled Banner Performance and Bob Hanson Distinguished Service / Patriot Award Presentation
  • Schedule of all presentations TBA
  • 10:30 p.m. – Headliner Performance from Marilyn Manson
  Where: Sturgis Buffalo Chip® Main Stage located in the Amphitheater
  Why: Honor those who fight for our freedoms
  How:

 

Reserve your passes now!

 

Freedom Celebration Events

Color Guard

Color Guard

A military branch color guard will present the colors on the Wolfman Jack Stage followed by a moving rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
National Anthem Performance

National Anthem Performance

Each year during the Freedom Celebration at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, the National Anthem is performed live in a powerful moment of unity and patriotism, honoring the brave and celebrating the freedoms we ride for.
Bob Hanson Distinguished Service & Patriot Awards

Bob Hanson Distinguished Service & Patriot Awards

Each year the Buffalo Chip chooses members of our military to honor for their courage, sacrifices and heroic patriotism. These awards are presented every year to honorees on the main stage before that night’s headlining performance.
Meet Past Award Recipients
Budweiser Clydesdales

Budweiser Clydesdales

Visit the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales at the CrossRoads! These gentle giants are a symbol of strength, tradition, and American pride. Stop by their location to see them up close!
Heroes Honor Ride Bike Presentation

Heroes Honor Ride Bike Presentation

A special moment during the Freedom Celebration presented by Heroes Honor Ride will include the presentation of a motorcycle to a deserving individual.
Veterans Only Bike Giveaway

Veterans Only Bike Giveaway

Freedom isn’t free, but the motorcycle being given away in the Veterans Only Bike Giveaway won’t cost you a dime. All Veterans with an Honorable Discharge may do a small registration ticket for the 2025 giveaway between Friday, Aug. 1 and Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. Registrations will be accepted at the HorsePower Financial display located in the CrossRoads during the day and at the Opt1 Vet building in the amphitheater during the late afternoon and evening. The winner will be announced and presented with the motorcycle on the Wolfman Jack Stage during the Freedom Celebration presentations.
Veteran

Veteran's Service Dog Presentation

For their dedication to the security of this great nation, Special Operations Wounded Warriors and Baden K9 have teamed up to present a veteran with a specially trained Belgian Malinois on the Buffalo Chip’s main stage prior to the night’s headlining performance by Marilyn Manson.
Action Tracked Wheelchair Presentation

Action Tracked Wheelchair Presentation

The mission of patriotic clothing brand OP1VET is “Changing the Life of 1 Veteran at a Time.” During the Freedom Celebration, they'll be doubling up by providing freedom, independence and mobility to two disabled veterans when they present them with Action Tracked Wheelchairs on the Buffalo Chip Main Stage.

Exhibits throughout the Sturgis Rally

Freedom Field

Freedom Field
A field of 800 flags stands majestically at the entrance to the CrossRoads, paying tribute to those who have given their lives protecting our nation’s freedoms. Spend an awestruck moment paying your respects to the brave men and women who sacrifice everything for us by walking through this impressive display.
More Info
See Schedule

On-Site Veterans Organizations

Special Operations Wounded Warriors

Special Operations Wounded Warriors

This 501(c)(3) charity was formed in August of 2012 for the distinct purpose of providing outdoor experiences and focused therapeutic retreats to a select group of both active duty and veteran U.S. Military Special Operations Forces that have received wounds (both seen and unseen) in battle or significant training accidents, most of which that have been awarded our country’s prestigious Purple Heart Medal.
Grunt Style Foundation

Grunt Style Foundation

Established in April of 2021, Grunt Style Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to providing life-changing resources and experiences for service members, Veterans, and their families. With a steadfast commitment to its core values—Mental Health and Wellness, Transition and Sustainment, Food Insecurities, and Homelessness–Grunt Style Foundation offers those who served and continue to serve our country their due recognition, honor, and support.
Buddy Poppies

Buddy Poppies

Help the VFW maintain national and state veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs by purchasing a Buddy Poppy! The VFW Post 3312 of Belle Fourche, SD will be selling these symbolic memorial flowers at the East Ticketing Box Office on Thursday Aug. 7.

Other Military Events and Activities

The Annual Raising of the Flags - Saturday, July 26, 2025

The Annual Raising of the Flags - Saturday, July 26, 2025
Join a proud group of patriotic volunteers for the annual Flag Raising at the Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Field on Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Help place 800 American flags in tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This free, family-friendly event includes special guest speakers, food, and fellowship. The flags will remain on display through the end of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as a powerful symbol of honor and remembrance.
Learn More
Veterans

Veterans' Happy Hour Sponsored by Sam Adams American Light

Join us for the Veterans Happy Hour, sponsored by Samuel Adams American Light, August 1–9 from 5–6 p.m. on the Amphitheater Roadhouse Deck. Veterans will receive a free beer in honor of their service, and all guests can enter free giveaways throughout the hour!

The Happy Hour is proudly hosted by veteran-focused charities and businesses including SOWW, Op1Vet, Grunt Style Foundation, Heroes Honor Ride, Flags by Outlaw, Baden K9, TikTok Biker Club, and the Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration.

Mai

Mai's Memorial Day Run

Each Memorial Day, Mai Richards makes a powerful tribute run from Spearfish to Buffalo Chip's, wearing combat boots and carrying the American flag in honor of our fallen military heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. Her run not only pays respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also helps raise funds for the Buffalo Chip's Freedom Celebration on Thursday, Aug. 7.

“Keep up the good work supporting our troops, Buffalo Chip! It’s evident in all you do.” – Andy Sims

CHARITIES

LOVELACE CHARITY FOUNDATION

SPONSORS