World War II Veteran, 99-year-old Tony Schmitt, is a Harley-Davidson enthusiast.
“Fill the streets with Harley’s, get the cars off the road!” said Schmitt.
Harley is celebrating its 115th anniversary this week and Wednesday was Military Day.
Schmitt stopped by the House of Harley to support a military charity ride to Veterans Park.
“It’s a commemoration for everybody and we like to be a part of something,” Schmitt continued.
The WWII veteran showed us a photo of his first Harley ride from October 18, 1940 in Hartford, Wisconsin. In that photo, Schmitt was heading off to serve in the war.
The 99-year-old served from 1940 to 1945, traveling to places like Australia and New Guinea, before coming down with Malaria and being sent back to the states.
Schmidt said most of his fellow veterans have passed away. He misses them and the memories.
Schmitt recently got out of the hospital with heart complications. He’s not riding Harley’s much these days, but feeling welcomed in the Harley family is keeping his spirits strong.
“Ninety-nine is still a good feeling,” said Schmitt.
All the proceeds from Wednesday’s charity ride go to the Wisconsin Veterans Network, supporting the most vulnerable veterans in our state, those who are homeless, jobless, or in need of counseling.
