Motorcycle riders from around the country are returning this year to the National Mall on Memorial Day weekend as part of the Rolling Thunder Run.
The group’s demonstrations will span fourdays — Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with the Rolling to Remember demonstration ride to be held on Sunday, May 29.
Motorcycle rides organized by members in DC streets aim to raise awareness of critical issues related to US veterans and demand action for the 82,000 missing service members, as well as for the 22 veterans who die by suicide every day.
Currently known as one of the world’s largest single-day motorcycle events, the Rolling Thunder Washington DC First Amendment Demonstration Run has been taking place annually since 1988 in order to bring situations of prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA) to the public’s attention.
“Rolling Thunder Washington, DC, Inc’s mission is to educate, facilitate, and never forget by means of a demonstration for service members that were abandoned after the Vietnam War,” the group says in its mission statement, adding that it “has also evolved into a display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country.”
Rolling Thunder DC’s events this week are scheduled as follows:
Friday, May 27
- 5 pm to 7 pm: Blessing of the Bikes (Washington National Cathedral)
- 8 pm: National Vietnam Wall Memorial Candlelight Vigil/Wreath Laying Observance
- All day: 22 Bike Salute Memorial (Lincoln Memorial)
Saturday, May 28
- 9 am to 11 am: ’22 A Day’ 2.2 Mile Veteran Suicide Awareness Walk/Run (RFK LOT 8)
- 12 pm to 10 pm: Rolling to Remember Stage Performances
- All day: 22 Bike Salute Memorial (Lincoln Memorial)
Sunday, May 29
- 7 am to 12 pm: Lot opens for bike staging (RFK Parking LOT 8)
- 11 am to 11:50 am: Opening ceremonies
- 11:50 am to 12 pm: Final ride preparations
- 12 pm: Bikes begin leaving lot proceeding to ride route
- 12 pm to 5 pm: Rolling to remember demonstration ride
- All Day – 22 Bike Salute Memorial (Lincoln Memorial)
Memorial Day
- 3 pm: DC National Memorial Day Parade