While I enjoy festivals and celebrations other places, I often stay away from the crowds when they come to my backyard. But last spring, my cousin, her husband, and her brother in law headed this way as part of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle groups that gather each Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., to honor the veterans. We decided to meet downtown on Saturday afternoon during a break in their activities. As there are upwards of 300,000 motorcycles that roar into town that weekend, I headed off on the metro for a hometown adventure.
Rolling Thunder is more an event than a specific motorcycle group. It started in 1987 when Ray Manzo, Corporal USMC, and friends organized a group of Vietnam Vets to ride peacefully to D.C. to bring focus on the POWs and MIAs who had been left behind and almost forgotten. It is now a massive migration of veterans, their families, and those who just feel patriotic and grateful for those who sacrificed for our freedom who also like riding those bikes. Craig and Leigh started their 10-day journey in Rancho Cucamunga, CA, riding with a group of about 300-400 folk. Some would join them for just portions of the trip. Leigh actually drove a pick-up truck and was part of the support crew that did things like arrange for efficient gas-ups of 300+ bikes and helped with emergencies, while Craig and his brother, a Vietnam Vet, rode with the pack. 
This was their first time to make the run and they found it very inspirational as well as a lot of fun. They were amazed at the respect and care they received across the nation. Towns and veteran groups fed them home-cooked meals, and crowds gathered and cheered when they rode by. Rather than the disdain that too many of the returning Vietnam Vets received at their homecoming, people waved flags, children asked for their autographs as heros, and fire trucks raised their ladders to create arches for them to ride through. Just listening to the tales of their journey touched my heart.
We spent the afternoon catching up on family news, "walking the Wall," and visiting the Korean and World War II memorials (upcoming post) where Leigh placed an American flag in honor of her Dad's service. We even ventured into Thunder Alley where you find refreshment, biking and war memorabilia, and a remarkable display of tattoos. In those few hours, I gained a deeper sense of valor, heartache, honor, and devotion. It was such a wonderful journey that Leigh and Craig are back on the road again headed to D.C. for this year's celebration.Click link for slideshow:
Race for the Wall
Music: Lee Greenwood, God Bless the USA, God Bless America: For the Benefit of the Twin Towers Fund
More information: http://www.rollingthundermotorcyclerally.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment