2013 Rolling Thunder Part I of IV-- The Run

The Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run is an annual ride and gathering that first started in 1988. Riders from around the nation, and even around the world rally in the Pentagon parking lots and begin the run through the streets of Washington, D.C. Afterward, it is an opportunity to meet old and new friends, pay respect at the memorials and participate in the Memorial Day events. (From the Rolling Thunder site http://rollingthunderrun.com/.)

This was our fourth year riding and one thing that hasn't changed is the amazing feeling of being part of something so big and so important.  It's an awesome and humbling feeling to be able to ride with hundreds of thousands of bikers to show support for those killed or missing in action-- and all Military Members as well! 

I'll be putting pics up in a series of four blogs to keep them from running too long.  I hope you enjoy them and they pay just a little tribute to those who have given their lives for our country... 

There is no shortage of American Flags at Rolling Thunder and I have a tendency to try to photograph them all !!!!

This is on the back of a semi!

And this is on the side.....

On the back of another rig.

A helicopter flies over the US Air Force Memorial. 

The previous two photos are the same bike.  There are a lot of bikes out there decorated  in support of  the Military and fallen comrades. 

This truck is decorated in support of LCPL Phillip D. Vanedge who was killed in action on October 13, 2010.  That's his mom you see on the door standing next to his toombstone. 

Military Nurses Memorial.

After we rode, we parked and watched bikes for awhile.  It was awesome to get to take the ride in as a spectator also.  Later, I got this shot on Constitution.  We didn't know it until but this was the last biker. 

Our bikes the morning of the ride.  They usually get their once a year bath just for Rolling Thunder!

Ready to ride!

The Vietnam Wall.

Soldiers Memorial next to The Wall.