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ROLLING THUNDER XIII - 6/2000
Ride for Freedom 2000
What do we love most about motorcycle riding? The usual answer is freedom.
Thirteen years ago, Sergeant Artie Mueller of the United States Army, Ray Manzo and a handful of other Veterans decided that it was time to create an organization that educates the public and protects the freedom and rights of Veterans and POW-MIAs (Prisoners of War Missing in Action). Since their Harley-Davidsons collectively sound like a thunderous B52 soaring overhead, Ray decided the perfect name would be "Rolling Thunder®." The Veteran voice of concern and respect for freedom would loudly be echoed in unison through the chrome lungs of iron steeds.
Since 1987, Rolling Thunder has successfully demonstrated in Washington D.C., gaining wide support and passing legislation to protect those in the military. Their mission is to educate the public and build awareness to the government about the POW-MIA issue including the homeless Veterans, and to help the thousands of disabled Veterans to rightfully secure benefits and programs denied by the government. "Many POW's have died waiting for our government to bring them home. How long must they wait?" says Artie Mueller, Rolling Thunder National President.
A vocal, no-nonsense man, with a knowing grin, Artie suffers the debilitating effects of Agent Orange from the Vietnam War, including a slight paralysis on the left side of his body from the chemical. "When Veterans come home with service related injuries or illnesses they have to fight the government for years before they get treatment in the VA hospital. Why? This is not the way Veterans should be treated who served their country," says Artie, a true fighter who will not let his myriad of war-related afflictions prevent him from overseeing the entire Rolling Thunder organization nationwide. Astride his 1992 Harley-Davidson FXRS Artie leads the annual Rolling Thunder Memorial Weekend "Run to the Wall" from his home state of New Jersey to Washington D.C.
Instead of a barbecue, a jaunt to the shore or hiking in the mountains, close to a half-million Veterans, bikers and supporters chose to celebrate their Memorial Day weekend in D.C. at Rolling Thunders "Ride for Freedom." This year brought well over 350,000 supporters. The thunderous skies and rain stormed in unison with the roar of Rolling Thunder which also sponsors Rolling Thunder Across America®, a run that begins on the West Coast and heads East bound for the Wall.
Methodically, each year Rolling Thunder hosts a series of Memorial events that lead up to the final Parade on Sunday. The organizations procedures keep the entire weekend flowing smoothly, allowing for peaceful reflection and uniting about Veteran issues. A haunting, candlelight vigil on Friday night launches Rolling Thunders Memorial Day weekend. At nightfall, riders assemble for a group run to the Wall. Upon arrival, the crowd is given mock candlelights and proceed to the Memorial service mid-way along the Wall. Words of remembrance and honor are spoken and circle to embrace the Veterans like the wreaths of flowers that decorate the Wall. During the moment of silence tears can be heard and hands are held. At the conclusion taps are played. Before the riders saddle up and head out, they visit the nearby memorial Veteran monuments.
Harley-Davidson of Fort Washington, MD annually hosts a giant pig roast that feeds thousands of bikers. Vendors set-up in the dealer lot including the national Harley Owners Group (HOG) which distributes the official annual Harley-Davidson - Rolling Thunder "Ride For Freedom" pin. Willie G. Davidson strolled into the dealership and shook hands with Veterans. He and his wife Nancy came to D.C. to ride in the Sunday "Ride for Freedom" parade.
Later on Saturday, Rolling Thunder holds a demonstration at the North Vietnam Home. "North Vietnam has never really told the truth about our POWs and our government doesnt seem to care," said Artie. Veteran Gerald McCullar demonstrates as a POW trapped in a Tiger Cage to express his message "POW-MIAs need our help!" South Vietnamese supporters waive their flags as angry protesters tear and ignite the oppositions flag. Motorcycles peel out over the torn pieces lay strewn in the street to the cheers of Veterans.
On Saturday evening, Rolling Thunder hosts their annual reception opened to all supporters, bikers and Veterans. There is a unique bonding that occurs; folks are drawn together to celebrate freedom and to remember those who fought so hard and lost their lives to keep this nation free. Awards are presented to outstanding Rolling Thunder members. The organization now has 35 chapters nationwide and is steadily growing. "We are an organization, not a motorcycle club," said Boomer, a Merchant Marine and board member of the Rolling Thunder National chapter.
Vietnam nurses Brenda Hooper Jansons, Dorothy Pakala Whittaker and Mary Fay Yarbrough Blake came to D.C. for the first 36th Evacuation Hospital reunion, the unit where they worked together saving lives and tending the dying. While the ladies were visiting the Vietnam Womens Memorial, two Rolling Thunder National members, Donna Ziobro and Molly Moran, happened to stroll over. When the two ladies realized who the nurses were they tearfully thanked them for their patriotic services and invited them to the Rolling Thunder reception.
Early Sunday morning, thousands of riders gather in the Pentagon parking lot for the annual "Ride for Freedom" parade that departs at noon. This year, leading the pack on a patriotic red, white and blue chopper trike was Miss America, Heather French, whose father, Ronald French is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. "Coming to Rolling Thunder as Miss America is my favorite event of the year. It lets the veterans know how much I care for them," she said.
Its sheer anticipation waiting for the first bike to approach over the bridge on Constitution Avenue. "Hear they come!" and a deafening cheer begins and doesnt stop until many hours later, when the parade concludes. Stars and stripes, black leather and khaki decorated with pins and patches of allegiance ride by. Flags wave off the backs of motorcycles trailing the wind akin to a the rippling sea of patriotism.
"Rolling Thunder is a remembrance," said Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a familiar face at Rolling Thunder. "Theres a lot of energy here from people who fought so hard to keep this country free." Senator Campbell received recognition from Rolling Thunder for his effort to pass the 1999 Bring them Home Alive Act and continues to support the organizations Veteran issues.
Each year, Rolling Thunder witnesses their fruitful efforts as thousands more supporters ride-in to spend their Memorial Weekend to celebrate freedom and ride in memory of those who gave their lives. It truly is a unique and genuine bonding experience for fellow riders, Veterans and Rolling Thunder members to unite about the subject of freedom. "A lot of Veterans ride down for the first time and then say theyll never miss a Rolling Thunder again," smiles Artie. Rolling Thunder - "Ride for Freedom," mark your calendars for next year. www.rollingthunder1.com - please visit the website to learn more.
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