Community Chat

[KingstonsMom]

Thousands of motorcyclists gathered in Washington, DC Sunday to ride together on Memorial Day weekend for the Rolling Thunder 'Ride for Freedom' event.

Organizers from the non-profit organization say approximately 900,000 bikers participated this year, parading through the streets of DC to honor military veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Rolling Thunder was started 30 years ago when Vietnam veterans Artie Muller and Ray Manzo started talking about their concerns about POWs and MIAs from the Vietnam War, according to the non-profit's website.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4550742/900-000-motorcyclists-rode-DC-POWs-MIAs.html

[KingstonsMom]

Amazing turnout!

[hoosieroriginal]

Bet that was a noisy place to be! 

[KingstonsMom]

@hoosieroriginal

You betcha'! Loud & proud!

Approximately 900,000 motorcyclists participated in this year's Rolling Thunder 'Ride for Freedom' through Washington, DC. The annual event has happened since 1988.

The organizers, two Vietnam veterans started the group Rolling Thunder in 1987 when they discussed their concerns for prisoners of war and those missing in action. The first actual parade happened during Memorial Day weekend of 1988 where 2,500 riders participated. The parade begins in the Pentagon parking lot, then motorcyclists ride across the Arlington Memorial Bridge and ride around the National Mall. Motorcyclists are pictured right waiting in the Pentagon parking lot before the parade was started by one of the founders, Sgt Artie Muller, pictured left.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

It is a magnificent gesture.  It is also a magnificent amount of trouble getting down the road if you are in the cross hairs.  Traffic can be halted to let bikers through, on major interstates.

[granddi]

I'm going to say something that will not be favored but here goes.

My husband is a Vietnam Vet and our parents are WWII vets so we understand honoring our service members. We were in DC during Rolling Thunder one Memorial Day Weekend and it is miserable. They occupy the main streets and it makes crossing and walking a real pain. The displays on the mall are nice but the constant noise and roar of the bike engines and the blocking of traffic goes on for hours. 

[Krimpette]

All weekend long from time to time I've been hearing some of the participants heading towards DC.  My townhouse overlooks one of the highways into DC.  I look forward to the sound every year.  Awesome turnout!

[KingstonsMom]

One day of inconvenience for some vs. a lifetime of loss for many......

[meallen616]