When we think of Memorial Day celebrations, it’s unlikely that the image of hundreds of thousands of motorcycles making their way through the streets of Washington, DC, is what comes to mind. But for the past 27 years, that’s exactly what has taken place. This year marks the 28th annual Rolling Thunder Ride For Freedom.
Rolling Thunder is far more than just a motorcycle ride; it’s the culmination of year-round volunteer efforts to support our nation’s veterans and keep missing in action front and center in our legislator’s minds. This year, more than a million riders and spectators are expected to join in this impressive tribute to our military, with particular emphasis on our POWs and MIAs.
Riders from all over the country will converge at the Pentagon parking lot, where they will depart en masse on Monday at noon. After the group makes its way through the National Mall, the ride concludes at West Potomac Park, where a memorial in honor of fallen servicemen and women will be held.
Rolling Thunder Ride For Freedom Route
A variety of activities will take place throughout the weekend, including a candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday evening, a speakers program at the Reflecting Pool across from the Lincoln Memorial, and a concert.
A Marine salutes as motorcycles drive past during the annual Rolling Thunder parade ahead of Memorial Day in Washington, Sunday, May 27, 2012. (Source: Huffington Post)
Rolling Thunder History
Rolling Thunder began as a demonstration following the era of the Vietnam War, which was a difficult time in America’s history. Similar to today’s political climate, our nation was divided over issues of peace and war. However, many of America’s military were killed or missing in action and their remains were not being brought home to be respectfully buried and honored. In 1988, veterans of the Vietnam War rallied together their families, fellow veterans, and veterans’ advocates to organize a demonstration at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend. They announced their arrival with the roar of their Harley-Davidsons, a sound not unlike the 1965 bombing campaign against North Vietnam named Operation Rolling Thunder. Approximately 2500 motorcycles participated in this rally, demanding that the U.S. government account for all POW/MIA’s. The group became known as Rolling Thunder and each year since has held an annual “Ride for Freedom” to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
Rolling Thunder Today
Rolling Thunder was incorporated as a class 501 C-4 non-profit organization and today has more than 100 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. The group is actively involved year-round in promoting legislation to increase veteran benefits and resolve the POW/MIA issue from all wars. They also provide financial support, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans, veterans’ families, veterans groups, and women’s’ crisis centers.
Read more about Rolling Thunder:
Rolling Thunder, Inc. National
Rolling Thunder Washington, DC Inc.
Rolling Thunder Wikipedia Page
