This Memorial Day weekend, American flags wave in quiet reverence at cemeteries across the country. Family members, friends and volunteers plant the flags in front of headstones for service people who died in conflict. The Rolling Thunder rally in Washington, D.C. gathers those who want to remember prisoners of war and those considered missing in action (POW/MIA) in a louder way.
The 31st annual First Amendment Demonstration Run rolls Sunday, starting at the Pentagon, circling the National Mall and concluding nearby. Riders and fans hear from speakers at the Lincoln Memorial, and festivities continue through the afternoon hours. The annual Memorial Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol plays into the evening.
Organizers consider the event a protest and demonstration rejecting the high numbers of military still listed as POW/MIA. According to the event's website, the ride represents a demand for accountability and recognition of those unaccounted for.
Motorcyclists arrive in Washington sometimes more than a week in advance. And the rumble gets louder as Memorial Day weekend draws near. Every year thousands of bikers roar in, through and around the city. And with their high-amplitude display, they hope to amplify an issue that is often silent.
According to Rolling Thunder in Washington, D.C. Inc. - the group that organizes the event - the first rally was in 1988 after U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Ray Manzo returned from the Vietnam War. Manzo was troubled by the accounts of prisoners of war left behind after the Southeast Asian conflict. He rallied support, and came with a motorcycle contingent 2,500-strong, according to the organization's website.
Sunday's run was part of a weekend full of activities, starting with the Blessing of the Bikes Friday evening at the National Cathedral and a candle light vigil at the Vietnam War Memorial.
The Rev. Dr. Rosemarie Logan Duncan talks with Gregory Evans after blessing his motorbike during the Blessing of the Bikes at the National Cathedral in preparation for the Memorial Day #RollingThunder @wamu885 pic.twitter.com/roD2Az4JwL
— Tyrone Turner (@tyronefoto) May 25, 2018
Saturday was a relaxed schedule. Vendors set up as part of "Thunder Alley" at Constitution Ave., near the Vietnam War Memorial. Organizers expected riders from most, if not every state. Some public officials made the trip.
Honored to join @SenJoniErnst and thousand of veterans from MI & across the country for #RollingThunder #MemorialDayWeekend to remember the many Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation and those who have yet to return home pic.twitter.com/BaLCS1VQNj
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) May 27, 2018
Long may she wave. And let us never forget those who gave their lives defending all that Old Glory represents. #MemorialDay #MemorialDayWeekend2018 #RollingThunder pic.twitter.com/mJ4swXbCeL
— The American Legion (@AmericanLegion) May 27, 2018
Rolling Thunder riders and fans will travel to multiple war memorials to lay wreaths on Monday. The formal events conclude at 3 p.m. ET with a national moment of remembrance.
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