Rolling Thunder, Washington D.C. (LIVE THREAD)

C-Span | 5/25/03 | Vets

[Jewels1091]

It's live on C-Span now, the annual Rolling Thunder Memorial to the Vets.

[martin_fierro]

OK, what FReepers are in attendance?

	FReeper Motorcycle Hooligan
Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list

[annyokie]

Thank you for posting this!

[enuu]

I turned it on by chance, about 15 minutes after it started. This is the greatest, most inspiring event I've ever seen! General Myers, a Harley man, rode with the group. Secretary Principi (Veterans Affairs) made a beautiful speech, it was strange to see him not in a suit, but with black leather vest and scarf on his head! Apparently, Sec. Rumsfeld also met the group. I hope C-span will re-show this event so more people can see it.

[martin_fierro]

Whoops -- color to come

[martin_fierro]

[Jewels1091]

I hope that this is repeated, I missed the very first part.

[mr.pink]

I sorta stumbled on the "Rolling Thunder" gathering last year. It was a lot of fun seeing all the bikes and bikers, but seeing the reunions of old friends and the ceremony honoring those lost in war was a very moving and powerful experience.

A great group of people.

[enuu]

I did not notice a repeat on C-span's schedule, so I sent them an email saying I hope they show it again because many people would be interested. I don't know if a few emails to them will have an impact, but ya never know. The address is viewer@c-span.org

[hole_n_one]

	Participants of the 16th Annual Rolling Thunder 'Ride to Freedom' cross the Memorial Bridge towards the Lincoln Memorial as they head to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Sunday, May 25, 2003. Tens of thousands of motorcyclists from around the country are in Washington to participate in a tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) AP - May 25 2:09 PM
	Vietnam war veteran Bob Allen (L), from Fairfax, Virginia, slaps hands with a biker as members of 'Rolling Thunder' cross the Memorial Bridge into Washington, DC, May 25, 2003. The event has been staged as part of the Memorial Day holiday festivities for the past 16 years to bring attention to prisoners of war, and veterans listed as missing in action from the country's wars, particularly the Vietnam war. The Lincoln Memorial can be seen in background. REUTERS/Gregg Newton Reuters - May 25 2:12 PM
	Martha Morgan of Sterling VA greets participants of the 16th Annual Rolling Thunder 'Ride to Freedom' as they cross the Memorial Bridge to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Sunday, May 25, 2003. Tens of thousands of motorcyclists from around the country are in Washington to participate in a tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) AP - May 25 2:06 PM
	Abe 'Nuguy' Duran of Pueblo, Colo., pays tribute to America's war dead and to M-I-A's during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Saturday, May 24, 2003. The bikers' annual 'Freedom Ride' Memorial Day tribute known as 'Rolling Thunder' is traditionally attended by tens of thousands, and is scheduled to roll from the Pentagon to the National Mall Sunday morning. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) AP - May 24 2:01 PM
	'Rolling Thunder' bikers pay tribute to America's war dead and to M-I-A's during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Saturday, May 24, 2003. The bikers' annual 'Freedom Ride' Memorial Day tribute known as 'Rolling Thunder' is traditionally attended by tens of thousands, and is scheduled to roll from the Pentagon to the National Mall Sunday morning. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) AP - May 24 2:01 PM

[hole_n_one]

[martin_fierro]

Did I hear someone say 400,000 bikes in attendance?

I was at a rally last weekend with 3,000 bikes, and that alone was impressive.

[hole_n_one]

Free Scott Speicher.com

[hole_n_one]

[hole_n_one]

[A Navy Vet]

Thanks for the post. Couple years ago I rode with the "Run for the Wall" folks, who leave from California about 10 days prior, to join up for this event today. Unfortunately, I couldn't ride all the way. One of these days I hope to make the entire cross-country run to make for Rolling Thunder D.C. event.

[Hank Rearden]

Just finished washing and polishing my Fat Boy, in preparation for tomorrow.

I've been invited (actually, my scoot was invited) to be part of the honor guard for our little town's Vietnam Memorial dedication tomorrow. They're inviting Harleys and Corvettes (no BMWs or Peugeots) and plan to have an honest-to-God Huey fly in the colors.

Looking forward to it. And my scoot is shiny for the first time in a year!

[JoeSixPack1]

And my scoot is shiny for the first time in a year!

Shame on you! Go to your room!!!

*<|:-)~~~

[Hank Rearden]

I'd rather ride than wash!

And I even did the leather. She likes that, when I do her leather.

[nunya bidness]

First one I've missed in a while and one of the most timely too.

Of course Rummy was there. He couldn't get to his car until the bikes left. (We stage in the Pentagon parking lot. And usually fill it.)