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Went to DC today. I was surprised that it wasn't as crowded as I expected. No problems finding a place to park.
Didn't stay real long (about 5 hours) we went to thunder alley, the Vietnam memorial wall and to harley of Washington.
Saw some nice bikes, and met some nice people. Someone noted about the pot holes, man, they are bad, and this is coming from a guy who lives in PA with lots of pot holes. I can't believe how hot it was, crazy hot and humid.
Ok...I'll **** in the OP's punch bowl. "Ride to the Wall" a.k.a "Rolling Thunder" isn't about the party or rally at the end. It's about showing respect for our brothers and sisters that died in defense of our great country...particularly Vietnam . If you are just looking for a rally, go to Sturgis, Daytona, Laughlin, or any Harley dealer on a Saturday.
Ok...I'll **** in the OP's punch bowl. "Ride to the Wall" a.k.a "Rolling Thunder" isn't about the party or rally at the end. It's about showing respect for our brothers and sisters that died in defense of our great country...particularly Vietnam . If you are just looking for a rally, go to Sturgis, Daytona, Laughlin, or any Harley dealer on a Saturday.
My $.02!
Yes I agree. Rolling Thunder is about honoring those who have fallen. Their sacrifice (and their families) for our country is more than we have given.
No disrespect meant for vets and current service members.
Visiting the wall, and All the war memorials I do is on Saturday. Sunday my group will ride to the Pentagon but not in the parade. We will loop the capital and continue.
I do visit the wall and other war memorials several times/year. Every time it's a new experience. Especially if I run across a group of honor flight vets. (Not many left though).
Everyday our Vets, the fallen, current service members need to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ok...I'll **** in the OP's punch bowl. "Ride to the Wall" a.k.a "Rolling Thunder" isn't about the party or rally at the end. It's about showing respect for our brothers and sisters that died in defense of our great country...particularly Vietnam . If you are just looking for a rally, go to Sturgis, Daytona, Laughlin, or any Harley dealer on a Saturday.
My $.02!
Absolutely.....Very Well Said
While staged at the Pentagon for hours and hours, I was able to
walk around and talk to numerous Viet Vets who had sustained many
different types of injuries, both physical and mental. With each and every
conversation or sighting with these men and women, the tears would just roll from my eyes and pour down my cheeks.
Once we were staged and leaving the Pentagon parking lot, the ride to The Wall was very humbling also, with the roads lined with Vets, relatives of Vets,
and the general public waving to show their appreciation of the riders showing their respect to the soldiers and their families.
Trying to take this all in, while fighting back the tears in my eyes made it some what difficult to concentrate. Luckily we found a couple vacant parking
spots opened up near Thunder Alley. Visiting The Wall, I was completely speechless as I watched many family members and friends remember their
loved ones lost. Walking around and visiting the Monuments, pausing and remembering what each represented, will for ever be with me.
I did not make this ride from Bar Harbor, Maine to enjoy a party or be part of a big rally...I made this ride to show my respect for all Vets, just wished I
could have shaken more hands and had more conversations with these men and women.
I wished I could make this ride happen each year, but unfortunately I haven't been back since 2001.
I will make this ride happen again, but until that happens I always look back
through my pictures and enjoy "the ride" ....especially during this weekend.
Ok...I'll **** in the OP's punch bowl. "Ride to the Wall" a.k.a "Rolling Thunder" isn't about the party or rally at the end. It's about showing respect for our brothers and sisters that died in defense of our great country...particularly Vietnam . If you are just looking for a rally, go to Sturgis, Daytona, Laughlin, or any Harley dealer on a Saturday.
My $.02!
No offence taken, as I never experienced a motorcycle gathering like this one. And I agree, it is a humbling experience. When we were at the wall, it brought tears to our eyes. Seems I may have offended some -not my intention.
When we go back, I want to visit the WWII memorial, my Dad and all 5 of his brothers served, and made it back.
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