Will Rolling Thunder Ever Return to Washington? Time will Tell
Due to various circumstances, it seems unlikely the group will continue its annual Memorial Day ride. But they will go on with regional activities.
As we recently reported, Rolling Thunder announced that their annual Memorial Day events, including the Ride for Freedom through Washington, D.C., will be its last. The event took place last weekend, with huge crowds coming out watch and ride through our nation’s capital to raise awareness for POW-MIA veterans, pay tribute to American Prisoners of War, and salute all veterans that fought for our freedom.
Unfortunately, this ride appears to be its last.
“As of right now, this was our final ride. We are done in D.C.,” Rolling Thunder national spokesperson Nancy Regg told USA Today. “We will keep going regionally.”
Rolling Thunder has done the popular event for the past 31 years. It started in 1988 when founders Artie Muller and Ray Manzo wanted to organize a motorcycle event for Memorial Day to honor and remember POW-MIA military from the Vietnam war. The event grew in scope, and in numbers.
But in recent years they have faced a number of obstacles that has made the event more difficult to plan.
The group released a statement explaining its decision: “Reasons that determined our decision were the Pentagon Security/Washington Police officials continued lack of cooperation,and increased harassment to our supporters and sponsors. Financial factors are draining the organization funds if we continue this major, costly annual event in Washington.”
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump praised the organization’s work in a tweet and stated: “The Great Patriots of Rolling Thunder WILL be coming back to Washington, D.C. next year, & hopefully for many years to come. It is where they want to be & where they should be. Have a wonderful time today. Thank you to our great men & women of the Pentagon for working it out!”
However, Regg told USA Today that while the group appreciates President Trump’s encouragement, they have no plans to return. As of right now. She added “A year is a long time.” So, there is still a little hope.
Of course, Rolling Thunder has a lot of work to do, and they have no intention to stop. Their work will continue on a local and regional scale.
And we look forward to seeing them continue the amazing and inspiring work that they do for our veterans. If you’d like to find out more about Rolling Thunder and their upcoming events, you can check them out online or on Facebook.
Photos: USA Today
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