Milwaukee has celebrated Armed Forces Week for more than 20 years, honoring active-duty service members across all branches who live, work, or have roots in the Milwaukee area and surrounding communities. The week-long celebration features several events open to the public and culminates with the Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum campus on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more than a century, Harley-Davidson has supported the U.S. military, with motorcycles used by troops beginning in World War I and continuing through decades of service. On Armed Forces Day, we recognize that history and, more importantly, honor the individuals who serve and have served our country. Learn more about H-D history and the military: Active duty military and veterans receive discounted admission to the Harley-Davidson Museum with valid ID.

Armed Forces Day Celebration features the annual Support the Troops Ride® with a police escort starting at House of Harley-Davidson and arriving at the H-D Museum. All motorcycles are welcome to participate.

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    Support the Troops Ride®

    Join us for the Annual Support the Troops Ride to the H-D Museum. The ride kicks off with 8:00 AM registration at House of Harley-Davidson, kick-stands up at 10:00 AM with police escort to the H-D Museum for a small celebration ceremony (all motorcycles are welcome).

    Registration for Support the Troops Ride

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    Military Displays

    Military equipment and interactive displays are available for attendees to see and experience – free event offers a unique experience to talk with all branches of the military to learn about their experiences maintaining our freedom.

    Learn More

Armed Forces Day Celebration

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The Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum on May 16 offers a meaningful way to spend the day while honoring active-duty military and veterans. Part of Milwaukee’s longstanding Armed Forces Week, this event brings the community together for a daytime celebration on the Museum campus, including the annual Support the Troops Ride®, a police-escorted motorcycle ride from House of Harley-Davidson to the Harley-Davidson Museum. With a history of supporting the U.S. military dating back to World War I, the Museum provides a uniquely Milwaukee setting for this tribute. Active duty service members and veterans receive discounted Museum admission with valid ID.