Rolling Thunder XXI

Since I'm a military brat (Air Force), Spring is on its way, and many are browsing the web for road trip ideas, I think there's probably no better time to get the word out about the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder XXI Ride Freedom than the present. Mark your calendar - the ride takes place on May 25, 2008.

Some think Rolling Thunder or Run To The Wall is a parade that heads to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington D.C. each year. Actually, it's not a parade. It's a demonstration. Rolling Thunder chapters throughout the country are committed to advocating for military vets and drawing attention to the fact that thousands of American soldiers were left behind in Vietnam, Laos and other countries. That's 93,237 designated as missing.

The first ride took place on Memorial Day in 1988 and totaled 2,500 people, all advocating for those missing in action in any war. The noise of the motorcycles reminded those in attendance of the 1965 bombing raid in North Vietnam dubbed "Operation Rolling Thunder." A name and a passion for POW/MIA advocacy was born. Last year was the 20th run, and many know of the event, but not its history or purpose.

My father fought in Vietnam, and I did go to the wall before I started riding. This year, I've been thinking about how great it would be to go with my father on the ride. Granted, I'd have to find a way to get him on the bike, which is odd, since he disarmed bombs, so you would think getting on a motorcycle would be easy. But - it's probably my role as the rider and his as a passenger that would be more the problem.

There are a number of details for the ride, and some states have escorted rides to Washington. I'll add some additional posts for those items, but the main information you need is:

Assembly Area - North Pentagon parking lot at 8AM

Leaving for the Vietnam Memorial - at 12:00 noon for the ride through Washington D.C. to to Vietnam Memorial to pay respect to the men and women who gave their lives for the country.

Speakers & Music - located at the west end of the reflecting pool across from the Lincoln Memorial. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Aisle Assignments - Please visit the Rolling Thunder web site and click on the promotion on the home page for Rolling Thunder XXI, or download the Rolling Thunder event information now.

Video documentary available:
Ride With Thunder