Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally in Washington DC on Memorial Day

Every year on Memorial Day weekend hundreds of thousands of motorcycles roll into Washington D.C. This year will be no different, and if you are in the area- this spectacle is something you won't want to miss.

The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally will start on May 25th, 2007 and end on May 28th, 2007. The parking spots on the street are blocked off and reserved for motorcycles only, the street is also blocked off during the ride. The ride started in 1987 as the "Run to the Wall", the wall being the Vietnam Memorial Veterans Wall. Thousands gather in the nations capital to ride for the POW's (Prisoners of War) and those who are MIA (Missing in Action). Motorcyclists travel from all over the country to pay tribute to those who served their country. That's what the whole rally is about- showing the country that we still care and will never forget. It is held rain or shine, just as the soldiers fought for our freedom.

The riders assemble at the Pentagon around 7am and the ride kicks off at 12pm. If you are at the end of the parking lot, you may not leave until 230-3pm. There is food, restrooms, and some vendors to purchase souvenirs from. Old vets meet new vets, and many share their experiences with motorcyclists who just want to ride for the cause. The ride travels through the streets of Washington D.C and wraps up at the Reflecting Pool by the Lincoln Monument and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall on Constitution Avenue. This is where the speakers' presentation and musical tribute will take place, starting at 1pm.

By far, the most emotional part of this whole event is the site that can be seen at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. You will see grown men huddled down to the wall, sobbing while rubbing a pencil to some paper to capture a friend or family member's name. Another sight which moved me to tears and I'm sure many others is the Marine standing at attention, saluting with a pair of combat boots and a rifle a few feet away. This is the symbol for a fallen soldier.

As the wife of a two time Operation Iraqi Freedom vet, I am proud to say that I ride with my husband for the POW's, MIA, Active Duty Military and Veterans. There is no better feeling than riding down the street with thousands of people standing on the sidewalks waving American flags, tapping your hands as you drive by and holding signs that read "Thank you". I can only imagine how good it makes the veterans feel.