The DC Traveler

In the summer of 1987, Ray Manzo, Corporal U.S.M.C., wanted to try to show the country and the world that abandoned or unaccounted for American soldiers in Vietnam still mattered.

While walking near the Reflecting Pool near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, he approached some veterans and asked them for help in hosting a motorcycle run on the National Mall to raise awareness and money for POW/MIA causes and to assist the families of veterans who were killed or were still missing in action.

The first Rolling Thunder® rally in 1988 drew 2,500 riders. This year, the annual event is expected to bring 250,000 participants. The ride should also generate close to $200,000 for POW/MIA and veteran causes.

Rolling Thunder sponsors search and retrieval missions into Southeast Asia for MIAs, POWs and for the remains of U.S. military personnel who were killed in action. There are over 1,700 soldiers and servicewomen who served in Vietnam that are still unaccounted for. Members of Rolling Thunder also visit vets in veteran’s hospitals and nursing homes as well as distribute POW/MIA flags to schools and groups.

Rolling Thunder is a weekend long event that draws motorcyclists from across the country and even a few from around the globe.

I have been in the National Mall during Rolling Thunder, and the site of a couple hundred thousand motorcyclists, about half of which are riden by veterans, riding around the Mall is an amazing sight. The noise can be “thunderous” and deafening, and it can take more than 15 minutes to cross the street anywhere as they pass along their route.

It’s a great place for photo ops as well — some of the bikers and their attire are, shall we say, a bit unique, but always fun.

Rolling Thunder Events

• Candle Light Vigil
  Friday, May 25 - 9:00 p.m. Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Constitution Ave. NW, between 21st and 23rd Streets
  Rolling Thunder Barbeque
  Saturday, May 26 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m
  Harley-Davidson of Washington
  9407 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD
  Commemorative Wreath Laying Ceremony
  Saturday, May 26 - 11:00 a.m.
  Navy Memorial - Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. between 7th and 9th Streets
• U.S. Navy Band’s “Country Currents” Concert
  Saturday, May 26 - 12:30 p.m.
  Navy Memorial - 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. between 7th and 9th Streets
  Rolling Thunder Ride
  Sunday, May 27 - Noon
  - Ride to and around the National Mall - Noon
  - Speakers and Musical Tribute - stage at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial - 1:30 p.m.

Tickets - All events are free and don’t require tickets

Parking & Traffic - Expect a few streets on the Mall to be closed from about 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and traffic to be VERY heavy as the riders make the circuit around the Mall. Parking will also be difficult with motorcycles everywhere.

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