Rolling Thunder
A thunderous roar rises up out of the nation's capital every Memorial Day weekend as thousands of motorcycles roll across the Memorial Bridge and parade down Constitution Avenue on their way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Columns of leather, chrome and American flags cruise the National Mall each year in tribute to veterans, in remembrance of prisoners of war (POWs) and military service personnel missing in action (MIAs) and in a homecoming parade to honor the veterans of the Vietnam War, who did not receive any such welcome at the war's end.
Rolling Thunder, both the name for the event and the organization that sponsors it, is a reference to a 1965 Vietnam War bombing campaign. The organization was formed in 1987 by a group of Vietnam veterans, including Artie Muller and Ray Manzo, to bring awareness to the POW/MIA issue.
Many bikers make the pilgrimage across the country in "Ride to the Wall" group expeditions, but the original Rolling Thunder-sponsored ride begins in New Jersey. Rolling Thunder organizes events and concerts for participants all weekend, which then culminate in the Sunday parade. Riders set off from the Pentagon parking lot, where the endless expanse of Harley-Davidsons revving their engines is truly a sight to behold. What started as a modest protest ride has morphed into a powerful tribute and an effective institution.
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