On Memorial Day weekend in May 2015, my good friends, the Canary brothers, Tom and Randy, invited me to join them along with one million of their close personal friends for a motorcycle ride called Rolling Thunder. Motorcycles from all over the country were heading towards Washington DC with one purpose and one purpose only. Rolling Thunder is a national effort to make certain all U.S. veterans, who became prisoners of war (POW) or went missing in action (MIA) are not forgotten. The first ride in 1988 was led by Viet Nam veteran, Ray Manzo and included 2,500 riders. Rolling Thunder wants all of our troops to return home.
I rode with 25 members of the Louisville, Kentucky, Rolling Thunder Chapter – 1. President Tim Centers was very welcoming. While this ride included more motorcycles than I have ever been with in my life, every single rider demonstrated complete dedication to the veteran’s cause supported by Rolling Thunder and along with that, impeccable behavior. There was no fighting or troublemaking. In fact when I looked up the term gentlemen biker, the dictionary listed President Tim Centers’ name for the definition.
Memorial Day weekend, May 27 – 30, 2016, is just around the corner. If you own a motorcycle think about firing it up and heading out to Rolling Thunder 2016. If you do not own a motorcycle, become a part of the crowd supporting this giant national effort.
When you think about what our POW and MIA military men and women have done and continue to do to keep us and our families safe, it is not much of a sacrifice to ride a motorcycle across country to honor our veterans. I felt good participating in this peaceful demonstration.
Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter – 1 President Tim Centers and his distinctive motorcycle served as our road captain. Tim flew a large POW – MIA flag attached to a replica of the Kentucky Long Rifle with a military helmet resting on top. Tim hand made his Kentucky Long Rifle from a piece of oak that came from a 100 year old barn. The Kentucky Long Rifle was popular in the late 1700s and early 1800s and was used by Daniel Boon and Andrew Jackson among other famous individuals. I will never forget riding in the back of 25 motorcycles watching Tim’s Kentucky Long Rife flying the POW – MIA flag. Tim’s flag and Kentucky Long Rifle served as a rolling beacon leading me all the way to Washington DC.
After a long hot ride, we arrived at the Pentagon parking lot staging area at around 6:00a and got in line. Motorcycles completely filled two huge Pentagon parking lots. You would not think a guy could nap on a motorcycle. I can. This photo provides irrefutable proof that someone has been sleeping at the Pentagon.
Tom Canary enjoying our 18th annual BAMR (Big Annual Motorcycle Ride) which included Rolling Thunder to Washington DC. Name a place in the USA and Tom Canary has led me there and back on our Harleys ever since we started riding together in 1998. In 2015, out of one million motorcycle riders, Tom Canary was voted Rolling Thunder’s most wholesome biker. In fact, Tom is so wholesome, the Hell’s Angels rejected his membership application.
Viet Nam Veteran demonstrating to America what it is like to be a prisoner of war. This dedicated veteran spends the entire Rolling Thunder weekend in his bamboo prisoner cage. While most of us could not spend three days in this cage, POWs have spent decades caged like animals.
To feel the spirit of what a million riders and spectators can do to put focus on not forgetting those who were lost in war, click on my link 1, Rolling Thunder – A Marine’s Vigil.
Link 2 will take you to Rolling Thunder – 2016 along with the Mission Statement and brief history.
Link 3 will take you to Rolling Thunder – Kentucky Chapter 1.
Link 4 will take you to Rolling Thunder – Washington State Chapter 1.
Ride to Washington DC May 27 – 30, 2016. Rolling Thunder will keep rolling until all of our POWs and MIAs return home.
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Em Stern says
Very, very impressive…and I don’t mean the napping!
Marianne Bull says
Hello Em!
So you follow this guys stuff also?
I hope you are well and happy! Love to hear from you…
Marianne Bull
Dean G says
Anyone who would like to ride one of the most healing organised rides to Rolling Thunder I recommend this ride leaving from So Cal: www.rftw.org
The Run For The Wall has been going now for 23 years and is incredible. From many host Indian Tribes to a hosting school where you have lunch with the students, the day is filled with beautiful motorcycle riding and the evening with native American presentations of love and welcoming. It is a very emotional journey.
www.rftw.org