Freedom Celebration Honors Military with Full Day of Patriotic Events

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

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 33rd annual Freedom Celebration on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023!

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 adjavent to the CrossRoads.

Who: You and your friends.
What: Buffalo Chip’s 34rd Annual Freedom Celebration
When:

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024

  • 7:30 p.m. – Star Spangled Banner Performance and Bob Hanson Distinguished Service / Patriot Award Presentation
  • 10:30 p.m. – Headliner Performance from Kid Rock
Where: Sturgis Buffalo Chip® Main Stage located in the Amphitheater
Why: Honor those who fight for our freedoms
How: Reserve your passes now!

More Details Coming Soon

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, a special guest - like Joey Belladonna of Anthrax or Madison Rising - is chosen to perform the Star Spangled Banner on the Wolfman Jack Main Stage to kick off the Freedom Celebration.
Bob Hanson Distinguished Patriot Awards

Bob Hanson Distinguished Patriot Awards

Each year the Buffalo Chip chooses members of our military to honor for their courage, sacrifices and heroic patriotism. Past recipients of this award include Retired Navy SEAL Richard “Skipper” Marcinko, Senator John McCain, Colonel Steve Ritchie, Bob Woodruff, Retired Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods and Former Navy SEAL Glen Doherty. These awards are presented every year to honorees on the main stage before that night’s headlining performance.
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. If you’re a veteran with an honorable discharge, visit the Special Operations Wounded Warriors building at the CrossRoads or the Op1Vet building on the first tier of the amphitheater between Friday, Aug. 2 and Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024 to enter your name. The winner will be announced on the Wolfman Jack Stage during the Freedom Celebration presentation and ride home after the rally on a brand new motorcycle with all tax covered.
Veteran Assistance K9 Program Service Dog Presentation

Veteran Assistance K9 Program 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 Kid Rock.
Rock ‘N Noem Campaign Shirt Group Photo

Rock ‘N Noem Campaign Shirt Group Photo

While supplies last, when you purchase a pass you will receive a free Rock ‘n Noem campaign sticker, bumper sticker and button. Get a limited-run Rock ‘n Noem campaign T-shirt if you purchase a premium pass or VIP upgrade for Aug. 8. Already have an admission pass? You can still get the free complete campaign kit. Just pick up shipping tab, while supplies last. Then, Thursday, Aug. 8th at 10 p.m. rally at the Buffalo Chip Wolfman Jack Main Stage in your shirt for a group photo before Kid Rock's performance.
Action Trackchair Presentation

Action Trackchair 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 Trackchairs 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.
AVTT Veterans Memorial Wall

AVTT Veterans Memorial Wall

Standing proudly behind the Battlefield Cross Sculpture and Freedom Field is the AVTT Veterans Memorial Wall. Each year the Patriot Guard Riders assist in putting up this wall so you can see the names and pay your respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our freedoms.

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.
Vet Center

Vet Center

The Rapid City Vet Center exists as part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a broad range of counseling, outreach and referral services to eligible veterans in order to help them make a smoother post-war readjustment to civilian life. The Vet Center will be represented at the CrossRoads, where they will be providing counseling services for vets and their surviving parents, spouses, children and siblings.
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 throughout the campground on Thursday Aug. 10.

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