Final Rolling Thunder - 2019

In case anyone's interested: From the folks at "The Motorcycle Law Group"

Sad News in the Motorcycling Community
The 32nd Annual Rolling Thunder Ride to DC will be the Last
December 12, 2018

It has come to our attention that the upcoming 32nd Annual Rolling Thunder Ride to DC (Run to the Wall), which has been held every Memorial Day weekend since 1987, will be the last. This morning I spoke with Pete Zaleski, Vice President of Rolling Thunder, Inc., who confirmed that what we had heard was true. We are told that the difficult decision to end the annual event was due to a number of reasons. One was the expense of putting on the event. Another we are being told was pressure from the Pentagon Police Department. The Pentagon parking lot is the staging area for the ride.

We have been told that Rolling Thunder, Inc. will continue to be active, and will continue its work on behalf of POW/MIAs, veterans, and active duty military. However, if you have always wanted to take part in the Annual Ride to DC, you may want to book your rooms now. 2019 will be your last chance.

Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

THAT is very sad news.

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Originally Posted by 53driver

THAT is very sad news.

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Nothing surprises me in this "Fu--ed Up" country anymore, or anywhere else in the world for that matter...Just looked at how screwed up France is due to "BS" climate control taxes and the huge influx of Muslim immigrants that are trying to take over the country....Socialism does not work anywhere in the World, but these "dumb asses" cannot figure that out because of their narrow minded CRAP!!!...Done with my rant now...Regards and ride safe

My other half just told me this news tonight and I couldn’t believe it. We have ridden in this event faithfully. It going to be hard knowing 2019 will be the final one.

I've been reading other forums and such on this, and have seen that it would appear (on the surface) that raising the cash to offset their expenses would be easy enough. Have each biker fess up a single $ would net you a few 100K. This leaves me thinking that the problems with the Pentagon Police are a bigger factor in this. If they're in anyway as difficult as the Park Police to work with, that may be the thing. My 2 cents.

There may be other things going on in DC that take priority. The pentagon is pretty busy right now with the sh.t storm thats coming.
I hope thats the reason. Hopefully things will simmer down after the swamp gets drained some.
If thats the case, it'll be worth the wait.

Don't count it out just yet.... the following text is at the top of the RT website..

With respect to the press release that 2019 is the final year of the Rolling Thunder Demonstration Run; there are other Veterans organizations that CAN and WILL ensure this Memorial Day tradition continues. -RTWDC

Well I had read in an article that by stopping Rolling Thunder, the organization was hoping that it would help local area chapters do individual rides on the same day through out the county. And that way, they hoped, it would have a bigger impact since people would be raising the issue to local people they live around.

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Originally Posted by VaBob

Well I had read in an article that by stopping Rolling Thunder, the organization was hoping that it would help local area chapters do individual rides on the same day through out the county. And that way, they hoped, it would have a bigger impact since people would be raising the issue to local people they live around.

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Perhaps an alternative to everyone going to DC would be for organizations in and around where the traveling exhibit is scheduled to be staged to reach out locally.

I don't see how a MC ride helps the ones that need help............

It was originally a protest to raise MIA/POW awareness and get the attention of congress. It has accomplished that mission.

OK, But what did they do? (the rides)
No, I am not trying to be contentious-
I am a Viet vet and have heard of all the rumors about those left behind..
I know of nothing that was done about it.
Dont get me wrong, I like a MC ride, but that ride is just a pacifier.

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Originally Posted by thumper 549

OK, But what did they do? (the rides)
No, I am not trying to be contentious-
I am a Viet vet and have heard of all the rumors about those left behind..
I know of nothing that was done about it.
Dont get me wrong, I like a MC ride, but that ride is just a pacifier.

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I was not old enough to go to Vietnam, but I have a great deal of respect for those that did. I can never repay the suffering and sacrifice that they endured. In my situation, I do what little I can to help those that served. My only charitable contribution is to disabled Vets. I have not had by bike for long, but I would love to participate in an event honoring those we owe so much too. Thumper, thank you on behalf of my family for your sacrifice.

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Originally Posted by Cali261

I was not old enough to go to Vietnam, but I have a great deal of respect for those that did. I can never repay the suffering and sacrifice that they endured. In my situation, I do what little I can to help those that served. My only charitable contribution is to disabled Vets. I have not had by bike for long, but I would love to participate in an event honoring those we owe so much too. Thumper, thank you on behalf of my family for your sacrifice.

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Thanx, but truly you do not have to thank me .
I did, as most of us did, we went as soldiers do.
Voluntarily, not picking the wars but doing what we should do.

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Originally Posted by thumper 549

Thanx, but truly you do not have to thank me .
I did, as most of us did, we went as soldiers do.
Voluntarily, not picking the wars but doing what we should do.

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Well spoken, sir.
And thank you.