Join Rolling Thunder’s Annual “Ride For Freedom” Demonstration

Join fellow motorcycle enthusiasts this Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., at the Rolling Thunder Run. This annual event honors and recognizes the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.

The 2018 event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 25, with the Blessing of the Bikes at the Washington National Cathedral. A candlelight vigil follows at 9 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Other weekend events include:

• Reveille at 6 a.m., Saturday, May 26, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The wake-up call is for all riders participating in the Rolling Thunder XXXI First Amendment Demonstration Run;
• Rolling Thunder XXXI First Amendment Demonstration Run at 12 p.m., Sunday, May 27. Riders depart from the North Pentagon parking lot and ride through the National Mall to West Potomac Park;
• Memorial Day concert at 8 p.m., Sunday, May 27, at the U.S. Capitol;
• Wreath laying ceremony, 11 a.m., Monday, May 28, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery; and
• Annual Memorial Day Observance at 2 p.m., Monday, May 28, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Riders and attendees can also hear from several speakers at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, May 27, during the Rolling Thunder Speakers Program. Thunder Alley will also be back this year, located at 22nd Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest. Official vendors will have food, motorcycle-related items, and official merchandise available for purchase.

Mission Of Rolling Thunder

Vietnam veteran Ray Manzo formed Rolling Thunder in 1987 to raise awareness of American soldiers declared prisoners of war (POWs) and/or missing in action (MIA) during military campaigns, specifically the Vietnam War. Rolling Thunder strives to use demonstration to educate, promote, and never forget POW/MIAs deserted in Vietnam after the war.

Nearly 2,500 riders participated in the first ride, held in 1988, and demanded the U.S. government recognize all POWs/MIAs. The annual ride now features more than one million riders and continues to grow every year.