Rollling Thunder

Two summers ago, I had the opportunity to visit Washington DC during the week leading up to Memorial Day. I have several wonderful memories of being in DC, and I hope to visit there again. Two things stand out in my mind when I think about that experience: 1. The Lincoln Memorial and 2. The Rolling Thunder Rally

Every Memorial Day thousands upon thousands of motorcycles ride into DC and rally for POW/MIA and the soldiers that were forgotten in Vietnam. This quote from the website sums it up. "Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisoners of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA). Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising the First Amendment "Right to Petition and Assemble", organized the first group of 2500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. This first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.

Today over 250, 000 motorcycles ride during the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend observance, held each year in our nation’s capital. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars."

I will never forget the day we were walking from Smithsonian to Smithsonian and a large group of these motorcycles with American flags, POW flags, and MIA flags paraded down the streets. It was a very emotional moment for me, and thinking of it now makes me a little teary.

I wave these flags in my front yard, today, to THANK all of those who have fought and died so that I may live the FREE and luxurious life that I do.