The "Run for the Wall" (http://www.rftw.org/) was initiated in 1989 by Vietnam veterans James Gregory and Bill Evans to inform the general public "...about the fact that we had thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all of our wars."
This ten-day trip, which begins in Ontario, California and takes two routes - central and southern - gathers up thousands of motorcyclists along the way and rolls into the D. C. area on Friday afternoon, May 25. Early on Friday morning I will join this group at the Salem Veterans Administration Hospital as they pass through the Roanoke Valley and will ride with them to Washington, D. C.
Then on Sunday morning, May 27, some 350,000 motorcyclists will assemble in the Pentagon parking lot in order to be a part of the annual "Rolling Thunder" parade (http://www.rollingth...) into downtown D. C. The first biker will leave the parking lot at noon, and the last one probably will not exit it until 4:00 or 5:00 P.M. It's one of the most amazing parades you will ever witness.
When I took part in "Rolling Thunder" the first time in May, 2002 - after September 11, 2001 but before March 20, 2003 - I was deeply affected by the figure of a young Marine private who stood in the middle of Constitution Avenue and saluted smartly as tens of thousands of bikers slowly but noisily motored past him.
Instinctively, I pulled my motorcycle to the curb, stood up on its pegs, pointed to the young Marine, pumped my arms together high over my head in order to initiate a triumphant cheer for him, and then repeated my efforts several times.
Before long, throngs of motorcyclists and pedestrians joined with me to cheer and clap for this fine young U. S. military man, and he appeared to be almost frightened by all the positive attention, but he never moved, and his salute never faltered.
Since then I have often wondered: Where is he now, and what is he doing?
Considering our nation's current situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, this year's "Run for the Wall" and "Rolling Thunder" events will be even more important - and more poignant - to me than ever before, especially since my youngest son is now in training to become a U. S. Navy helicopter pilot.
Where will my son be a year from now, and what will he be doing?
Regardless, I know what I intend to be doing tomorrow and next week and next month and a year from now; continuing to work to elect and support strong leaders like our own U. S. Senator Jim Webb.
Jim Webb, who has a son, a U. S. Marine - the same age as my youngest - who has just returned from Iraq.
Jim Webb, who has survived the ravages of combat, who is intimately familiar with war and understands it better than most ever will, and who knows so well that there are better ways to resolve conflict than via endless warfare.
Over this Memorial Day weekend, may we all keep our military men and women in our hearts and thoughts and prayers.
May God bless them and keep them safe, and may they all come home - soon.
Thanks.
Steve
Steve
Come on over and I'll introduce you to myself and a bunch of crazy police officers with whom I'll be riding on Sunday.
Of course, I'll be wearing one of my Jim Webb t-shirts...
Hope to see you then - thanks!
Steve
Please consider that people actually live in the areas you Rolling Thunder guys ride through and try to keep your engine revving, backfiring, and night riding to a minimum.
For people in my neighborhood, this weekend always sucks.
I, too, am allergic to noise pollution, thus I have an extremely quiet motorcycle (Honda Goldwing) that doesn't produce as many decibels as most cars.
I would have to wonder what is the decibel level for that incoming redeye flight of yours, and whether it awakens those near Dulles or Reagan?
Of course, just as we have discovered occasionally here on RK, some people can easily locate a dark cloud within a silver lining...
Know what I mean?
Steve
Hope to see you Saturday.
Thanks!
Steve
The thousands and thousands of bikes that pour through my neighborhood every year - as a group - in toto - are loud loud loud. Much louder than planes. (which neither you nor I can control anyway - how are airplanes relevant again?) Wake you up from a dead sleep at 6 am on Sunday morning loud (and 6 am rides happen every single year).
It's obvious from your reply that you think it's entirely my problem that your precious Rolling Thunder disturbs the peace of an entire neighborhood for three full days every year. Well gee mister biker sir please forgive me for saying I'm having my peace disturbed. I won't be so presumptuous as to complain ever again. What was I ever thinking?
Steve, I would certainly believe that you and your group are highly responsible individuals who do their best not to disrupt the peace and quiet of Arlington neighborhoods; however, many of the folks who come in for Rolling Thunder are, shall we say, less community oriented and more party hearty in attitude. Some of them are damn noisy, dirty, and occasionally inebriated and think nothing of roaring up and down Arlington's normally quiet streets at all hours of the day and night during their time in town. They feel entitled, and it does rattle the nerves of those who have to live here.
Having said all that I'm happy to welcome Rolling Thunder once more to our fair county, but just ask that those who are participating remember to treat the surrounding neighborhoods the way they'd like to be treated. There are lots of old people in those neighborhoods who've been there since long before Rolling Thunder ever started, and young families with small children, and people who work crazy hours in our government and local companies. Everyone should just try to be nice and have a good attitude. This is supposed to be a time when we remember those we have lost and honor their service.
Quietly,
Steve