The 24th Annual Rolling Thunder event attracted several hundred thousand motorcyclists, families and friends of veterans, and a bucket full of dignitaries to the Washington D.C. area over the Memorial Day weekend. On Memorial Day weekend, special events all across America, and in many foreign countries are held to honor American veterans and for those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, and to say thanks to those who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Rolling Thunder is the largest event of its kind. The event is about remembering and reminding. It’s about remembering those who gave their lives for our country, and reminding the politicians in Washington that we can never forget the prisoners of war (POW), and those Missing in Action (MIA).

The event officially kicked off Friday evening with a candle light vigil at the Vietnam War Memorial (The Wall). Many Vietnam veterans visit The Wall to bring a sense of closure for their friends and fellow service members they lost in the war. It’s a very special monument with the names of over 58,000 who died in the Vietnam War.

Saturday brought the opening of Thunder Alley, the official vendor site for the event, which is located on 22nd and Constitution Avenue. This is the place to get your official Rolling Thunder patches, T-shirts, tickets for the 2011 Bike Raffle, and much more. A wide verity of foods and drinks were also available at Thunder Alley. Saturday is also the day when Harley Davidson of Washington hosts their annual reunion. This was the place to get your free food and drinks, and since riders travel here on their Harley’s from all across North America, this dealership had a full team of mechanics working long hours providing emergency services. A U.S. Navy wreath laying ceremony was held at the Navy Memorial, and a large variety of speakers and musical entertainers paid tributes to our troops at the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial.

Sunday was the day of the main event. This is the day of the Demonstration Ride. This is the day when thousands of bikers from around the world and their motorcycles of all makes and models rolled into the North Pentagon parking lot and waited for the start of the Demonstration Ride at high noon. While these riders gathered at the North Pentagon parking lot, supporters, veterans, fans, and photographers and video camera crews lined both sides of the streets from the Memorial Bridge to 23rd Street, Constitution Avenue, portions of Pennsylvania Avenue, 3rd Street, and down Independence Avenue. You could feel the pride and the patriotism in the air. This was a great day to be an American. As the motorcycles departed the parking lot, and emerged across the Memorial Bridge the huge crowds began to cheer, clap, and wave American flags. Artie Muller was in the lead party riding his ever fateful Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Demonstration Ride ended at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where thousands gathered to hear keynote speakers and musical tributes.

On Monday, the official observance day for the holiday, was filled with a verity of Wreath Laying Ceremonies in Washington, and at many American cemeteries in foreign countries where American Armed Forces personnel gave their lives bringing freedom and liberation. The Rolling Thunder event also paid special tribute to Seal Team 6, the unofficial name of the team who terminated the terrorist Osama Bin Laden.

If you’ve never attended the Rolling Thunder event, this is one you want to put on your calendar. Stay tuned for Part 2 with Iron Marine SSG Tim Chambers.