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 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 34th Annual Freedom Celebration |
| When: |
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
|
| 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
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
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
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.
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'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 Kid Rock.
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 Trackchairs on the Buffalo Chip Main Stage.
Exhibits throughout the Sturgis Rally
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.
Drive Tanks - Saturday, Aug. 2 - Saturday, Aug. 10
Grunt Style, DriveTanks.com, and the Sturgis Buffalo Chip have teamed up to bring you the ultimate Shooting Complex Experience during the rally! Get behind the controls of a real tank, light it up with a flame thrower, or do both. Whatever your adrenaline level, there's a package for you. With multi-level options, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make your Sturgis experience truly explosive.
**Packages are non-refundable. If you're unable to make your appointment, a gift card will be issued for the balance.
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.
