Rolling Thunder Honors Veterans in 23rd Annual “Ride to the Wall”
May 30th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
Today, as on 22 previous Memorial Day weekends, literally hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists honored veterans of all generations with their “Ride to the Wall” as a part of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in Washington, DC.
Gathering under a cloudless blue sky in the Pentagon parking lot, the ride moved north past the Lincoln Memorial, up Constitution towards the Capitol and back down Independence, to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, or as most veterans know it, The Wall.
Started in 1987 by Ray Manzo, a USMC corporal who wanted to do something to bring attention to military personnel still classified as Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) in the Vietnam conflict, the rally has grown into a Memorial Day tradition as well as a political force for veteran benefits.
In recent years it has become a place of welcome and refuge for veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.
Riders – men, women, and children – travel from around the world and from all 50 states to pay tribute those who have died in service to their country.
Rather than diminishing over the years as some early detractors hoped, this annual statement of support simply continues to grow.
Roll on . . .
Michael
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Rolling Thunder is one of my favorite events every year. I was disappointed this year though that Memorial Bridge was closed to pedestrians. Memorial Bridge has always been the best place to watch in the past, and with it closed, spectators were crowded at either end. Any insight as to why the bridge was closed?
Natalie – Nice to hear from you. I don’t know what the bridge was closed and I agree that it is the best spot to watch. Maybe if enough folks complain they will open it for next year. Good to get an early start on that kind of lobbying though.
Thanks for stopping by,
Michael
Am very interested in participating in your ride I am an ex Australian vet and we have our ANZAC DAY /Remeberance day 25 April which is a huge event and having paid my respects to our Fallen at dawn service over the years it would
be an honor to ride with your group so all info would be appreciated to set up if possible to ride with your group
Thanks Len. We don’t actually ride but are faithful bystanders. I would see if you could connect with someone through the Rolling Thunder Web site or try finding a Veterans group on Google. Wish we could be more help.
MB
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