For the past 7 years, it has become a family tradition for my family to attend Rolling Thunder in Washington, DC to remember our veterans. Here”s a little history about Rolling Thunder:
Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisoners of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA). Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising the First Amendment
"Right to Petition and Assemble", organized the first group of 2500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. This first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.
Today over 250, 000 motorcycles ride during the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend observance, held each year in our nation’s capital. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars.
Each year I would photograph the bikes as they rode in, saluting the lone marine as they passed. This year I decide to walk amongst the crowd and focus on the people. Also, the lone marine who stands saluting until the last bike rolls through. This year, I heard that the marine was suffering from a broken wrist and refused to have it set because he would not been able to put his uniform on to salute our veterans. If you would like to learn more about this loan marine, you can just google his name: Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers.
Enjoy the 2011 Rolling Thunder pictures.
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