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Harley-Davidson will be celebrating its 110th Anniversary from June 13th to the 16th 2013 in the eternal city of Rome and to kick off the countdown to the event, Pope Benedict XVI blessed and signed two commemorative HD motorcycle gas tanks presented to him by Willie G. Davidson, grandson of one of the company’s founders, and next year the Pope will also be blessing the bikes when they gather at St. Peters Square.
Both tanks will be returned to be mounted on two motorcycles - one will be displayed in the Harley-Davidson Museum, while the other will be auctioned to support the Good Samaritan Foundation.
Press Release:
Next June, tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson riders and fans from around the globe are expected to make their way to Italy’s capital city to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary and the shared passion for freedom that unites riders everywhere.
Pope Benedict XVI along with Willie G. Davidson, grandson of one of Harley-Davidson’s founders and his son, Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum, launched the countdown to Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary event in Rome, June 13-16, 2013, by presenting two commemorative motorcycle gas tanks to the Pope for a blessing. The tanks will be signed by Pope Benedict, Willie G. and Bill, and mounted on two motorcycles—one will return to the company’s hometown of Milwaukee to be displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum, while the other will be auctioned to support the Good Samaritan Foundation.
“The 110th Anniversary Celebration will be a rockin’ party and so much more,” said Ken Ostermann, Harley-Davidson’s General Manager of International Marketing Operations. “Along with next year’s 110th Anniversary events around the world, the event in Rome is truly the most epic way we can show our thanks for the 110 years of riding and fun our passionate fans have given Harley-Davidson.”
Highlights of Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary Celebration in Rome next year include a party in the Port of Ostia, a parade through the heart of Rome, two headlining concerts at Stadio Olimpico and a papal bike blessing at St. Peter’s Square.
Highlights of Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary Celebration in Rome next year include a party in the Port of Ostia, a parade through the heart of Rome, two headlining concerts at Stadio Olimpico and a papal bike blessing at St. Peter’s Square.
“We’re anticipating next year’s celebration in Rome to be one of the largest events we’ve ever held outside the U.S.,” said Ostermann. “That is a strong testament to our continued global transformation as we respond to our growing fan base all over the world.”
The Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary is a year-long, global celebration featuring 12 anniversary experiences the company will bring to existing motorcycle events in global markets through September 2013. The events span 11 countries on six continents.
Capping the global experiences are two main anniversary events in Rome and Milwaukee. The event in Milwaukee Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2013, is an expanded celebration including fan-organized rides to the city, a party on the shores of Lake Michigan, a massive parade, activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum and three headlining concerts.
For more information about the 110th Anniversary events, visit h-d.com/110.
