Rolla Chamber of Commerce and USDA Mark Twain National Forest Welcome Cherokee Memorial Ride Participants

Rolla, MO — On June 13, the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service – Mark Twain National Forest, provided lunch and a warm welcome to participants of the 2025 Remember the Removal Bicycle Ride as they passed through Rolla on their nearly 1,000-mile journey.
 
The annual ride commemorates the forced removal of the Cherokee people in the 1830s along what is now known as the Trail of Tears. Each year, Cherokee youth and adult mentors retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears by bicycle, traveling from New Echota, Georgia, to Tahlequah, Oklahoma—the capital of the Cherokee Nation.
 
“The Remember the Removal Ride is a powerful journey of remembrance, resilience, and education,” said Aimee Campbell, Tourism Director at the Rolla Chamber of Commerce. “We were honored to support the riders and provide them with a moment of rest and nourishment during their long and meaningful ride.”
 
The lunch event was held at the Rolla Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, offering riders a chance to refuel and connect with local community members and Forest Service staff. Mark Twain National Forest personnel shared stories about the forest’s history and its ties to the Trail of Tears corridor, emphasizing the importance of honoring Native American heritage and fostering cultural awareness.
 
The partnership between the Forest Service and the Cherokee Nation reflects the commitment to preserving history and strengthening relationships with tribal communities. These two groups are proud to play a role in supporting this journey and helping to share the Cherokee Nation’s story.
 
The Remember the Removal Ride serves as both a physical and emotional journey for participants, educating the public along the way and honoring the strength and perseverance of the Cherokee people.
 
For more information on the Remember the Removal Ride, check out their media outlets: https://www.facebook.com/removal.ride
https://www.facebook.com/TheCherokeeNation
https://www.cherokee.org/about-the-nation/remember-the-removal/.