Memorial Day in DC

It is a little over due. But as promised other things have happened in my life besides riding a 100-miles. Over Memorial Day I did a little friend-sitting and rolling thunder. Tracy had a little knee surgery and I volunteered to be her aid. She doesn't do well with sitting still - something I can relate too. Also, Ariel came in to town between builds. So during the weekend after feeling cooped up in the apartment we took a little downtown adventure. Every year in DC during Memorial Day weekend it host the annual "Rolling Thunder".

HISTORY LESSON - Starting in 1987 and continuing through May 2008 Rolling Thunder has been conducting the “Rolling Thunder Run” which all of its members attend. For 22 years the members of Rolling Thunder have converged on Washington, D.C to show their continued support for the efforts to find lost service men and women of past conflicts. By May 2008 that number had risen to more than 350,000. During the weekend event Rolling Thunder is involved in many speeches given by military official as well as many politicians. Rolling Thunder also makes the “Ride for Freedom” which leaves the Pentagon, crosses the Memorial Bridge, and ends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Many of Rolling Thunder's members are veterans; however, that is not a requirement for membership.

Needless to say it was time to witness this first hand. We sat out on Constitution Ave across from the Vietnam Memorial for several hours watching all walks of life in black leather, tattoos, bandannas, and tons of American pride. It was incredible; a nap in the shade was also endorsed. After a few hours we left, but the rolling thunder still continued on - it was an amazing sight. Tracy crutched her way all over the city; until finally the narcotics ran out and she was willing to call it quits. The best investment of the day was the cab ride back to VA.