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shawa
CNO
Joined: 03 Sep 2004
Posts: 2004
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 Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject: Vietnam Vets--Thunderous Show of Pride and Friendship |
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/27/AR2005052701328_pf.html
| Quote: | Thunderous Show of Pride and Friendship
Biker Veterans Ready to Roll
By Paul Schwartzman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 28, 2005; B01
By mid-afternoon yesterday, the familiar clatter of motorcycle engines could be heard caroming off the monuments and memorials across the Mall. They were back, veterans of the Vietnam War, in black leather, streaming into town on their Harleys to gather at the memorial devoted to more than 58,000 of their dead and missing comrades.
Denny Haldeman, 56, a retired Army specialist who spent six months in Vietnam, stood on Constitution Avenue, smoking an unfiltered cigarette after riding 400 miles from his Ohio home. Until 10 years ago, Haldeman said, he never would have come for Rolling Thunder, as tomorrow's motorcycle procession is known, because he was ashamed that he had fought in Vietnam. But seeing so many veterans in the same place at the same time has helped him embrace his past.
"I wasn't ever proud of what I did over there, but this makes everyone a little prouder," he said, a few yards from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was crowded with people leaving notes and American flags and tracing the names of the dead etched into the black granite.
Started 18 years ago with a couple of thousand participants, Rolling Thunder has evolved into a roaring rite of the Memorial Day weekend in the nation's capital, a chance for hundreds of thousands of veterans and bikers from across the country to renew old ties, promote veterans' issues and revel in the adulation of crowds watching the endless procession of leather and metal on wheels.
"It has become a pilgrimage," said Eric Christiansen, a filmmaker who produced "Homecoming," a 1999 documentary that chronicled the journey of a group of veterans from California to Rolling Thunder. "After the catharsis at the Wall, they get the pride and joy of being with hundreds of their brothers."
For many of the Vietnam veterans, the crowds are compensation for still-bitter memories of being shunned by large segments of the public when they returned home. Mike "Rattlesnake" Cobb, 58, Rolling Thunder's chairman, said antiwar protesters spat on him when he flew into Chicago's O'Hare Airport in 1968. Rolling Thunder, he said, has become "the parade we never had, the recognition we never had."
Mike Zender, 60, a Marine veteran who served in Vietnam and a retired high school psychology teacher, rode in from Minneapolis yesterday for his first trip to Rolling Thunder, hoping to collect memories to replace "the bad ones." He headed straight for the memorial.
"This is about seeing a lot of guys who were there, shaking hands and seeing who tells the biggest lies," he chuckled, in a black T-shirt that read, "Nine out of Ten Voices in My Head Say . . . Squeeze the Trigger."
Taking its name from President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Rolling Thunder" bombing campaign during Vietnam, the procession starts at the Pentagon, crosses the Memorial Bridge and travels along Constitution and Independence avenues. It is not without detractors, who contend that it has turned into an oversized biker party. Bill Line, a spokesman for the National Park Service, which issues the permit for the event, said people have complained about the traffic tie-ups and the noise, though he said most Washingtonians have grown accustomed to it.
One native who will stay away is Robert F. Dorr, an Air Force veteran who lives in Oakton and who has criticized the gathering in a column for Air Force Times as a "well-intentioned" but "inappropriate" salute to veterans.
"I don't want thousands and thousands of motorcycles cluttering up my beautiful city," he said in a phone interview. "It's the annual eyesore, as well as an ear-sore. Every year I find myself surrounded by these people on motorcycles."
Told of Dorr's remarks, Artie Muller, Rolling Thunder's president, said it was a relatively minor inconvenience to endure for a single day. "Most of those guys on motorcycles are veterans who fought in past wars, and if it wasn't for them, he would not have the town he has to live in so freely and the lifestyle to go anywhere he wants," Muller said.
Muller compared the noise generated by the mass of motorcycles to a B-52 bombing campaign. "It's very inspiring," he said. "It's a feeling of being there all together, all different veterans from all different wars. It's a very touching run. There's not many dry eyes in the crowd."
The weekend is also an opportunity for the organizers to push pet issues, including prodding the federal government to more aggressively pressure Vietnam and other countries to account for prisoners of war and the missing.[/b]
A year ago, Rolling Thunder's leaders went to the White House, driving their motorcycles up the South Lawn to the entrance where President Bush led them into the Oval Office for an hour-long meeting. Bush, who was running for reelection at the time, seemed sympathetic to their concerns, the organizers said, though they added that no progress has been made.
Muller, 60, who served in Vietnam in 1967-68, helped organize the first Rolling Thunder demonstration on Memorial Day weekend 1988, in which 2,500 bikers rode through the District. Within a few years, as word spread, attendance mushroomed, reaching 400,000 last year, according to organizers, and it now includes contingents from other conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War.
In 1995, Muller established Rolling Thunder as a not-for-profit corporation; it claims 86 chapters across the country. He said the organization raised more than $300,000 last year, nearly a third of it through concessions during the procession at "Thunder Alley," just off Constitution, where vendors sell pins and food and raffle off a motorcycle.
The demonstration has evolved into a spectacle, with side attractions that include a campground rally at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville that will feature rock bands and bikini shows. That concerns some veterans who contend that it detracts from the weekend's solemnity.
"We're not here to party hearty and do the typical biker things," said Patrick "Dragonrider" McCarthy, 55, who served in the Navy and who helps coordinate the arrival of a contingent of veterans from California. "We're here to honor our fallen brothers and promote healing among veterans."
Muller agreed, though he said he views the crowds as an opportunity to spread the word about veterans' concerns. "Most are there for our issues, but there's a good percentage that have no idea why they're there, and some are there just because it's a good bike ride," he said. "Hopefully, we will educate some of them." |
| Quote: | | "I don't want thousands and thousands of motorcycles cluttering up my beautiful city," he said in a phone interview. "It's the annual eyesore, as well as an ear-sore. Every year I find myself surrounded by these people on motorcycles." |
YOU GUYS CAN PARK ON MY FRONT LAWN ANY DAY, AND I'LL SUPPLY THE BREW!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!
_________________
“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” (Thomas Paine, 1776) |
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Jarhead
Ensign
Joined: 19 Aug 2004
Posts: 70
Location: Port Saint Lucie, FL
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 1:00 am Post subject: |
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I would love to be there on my 68 Triumph Bonnevile pipes a blazin'. Semper Fi' and Happy Memorial Day weekend to everybody on the SBVT forum.
_________________
Semper Fi'
Jarhead
USMC 71-74
"I am a bold Internationalist, I will only disperse American troups around the world at the discretion of the United Nations" - John Kerry
$UCK THE CORRUPT UNITED NATIONS - I am a Jarhead and I approve this message |
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shawa
CNO
Joined: 03 Sep 2004
Posts: 2004
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| Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:32 pm Post subject: |
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Rumsfeld, Myers Join Bikers Saluting Vets
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050530/ap_on_re_us/rolling_thunder
| Quote: | Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Richard Myers rides his motorcycle across Memorial Bridge along with thousands of other bikers during the annual Rolling Thunder memorial ride in Washington Sunday, May 29, 2005. The Rolling Thunder event, coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend, has been focusing attention on POW-MIA issues since 1988. Riders also advocate for veterans' rights. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) Email Photo Print Photo Recommend THIS
yahoo.com/photos |
_________________
“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” (Thomas Paine, 1776) |
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Navy_Navy_Navy
Admin
Joined: 07 May 2004
Posts: 5777
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| Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:18 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, man, that's one heckova slide show! 
Thanks to Rummy and Myers for celebrating this Memorial Day in the ways which they did.
And for all you troops and boy/girl scouts who filled the cemeteries with flags - thank you!
And for all you bikers - thank you!
And for the civilians who lined the streets to welcome the 100,000+ bikers - thank you!
And for you, with your leather-clad back to the camera, leaning your face into the wall - I prayed for you, whoever you are and whatever your heartache. May you be healed of your wounds and live in the peace of God.
And you vets who are hurting - please feel the prayers of millions with you, not just today but every day.
.
_________________
~ Echo Juliet ~
Altering course to starboard - On Fire, Keep Clear
Navy woman, Navy wife, Navy mother |
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shawa
CNO
Joined: 03 Sep 2004
Posts: 2004
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 2:57 am Post subject: |
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Navy_Navy_Navy said
| Quote: | And for you, with your leather-clad back to the camera, leaning your face into the wall - I prayed for you, whoever you are and whatever your heartache. May you be healed of your wounds and live in the peace of God.
And you vets who are hurting - please feel the prayers of millions with you, not just today but every day. |
Beautifully spoken EJ!!!
That photo really tugged at my heart too!!
This has been a melancholy day, thinking of the many thousands of UNSUNG HEROES who
gave their lives to defend this wonderful country of ours.
And the many thousands more who came back from the war wounded in body and mind.
You are all HEROES!!
_________________
“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” (Thomas Paine, 1776) |
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Guest
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 4:08 pm Post subject: |
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i don't mean to rain on the parade, but,
i go every year and take my kid with me on the bike.
i used to belong to r/t but have had differences with the date of the run along with a few other reasons i ride alone now.
this was a demonstration to bring back and demand an accounting for our pows/mias.
memorial day weekend in dc has no politicians in town.
they're all home with their families and are not inconvenienced one iota.
every hotel in dc is booked so a big financial boom to that town whose locals are loving all the cash that they wouldn't normally see on that weekend.
i spoke with artie muller the founder of r/t and a few others about this before and they understand where i'm coming from. their reply was to write letters. bs.
they should have the run on a regular work day so the locals feel it in their commutes and the entire town is buckled on it's knees. sound too harsh? too bad. it's nice to see that kind of turnout but i've seen the attitude like it's a party and that's not the what was intended. when the town is shut down they will work a little harder at making sure the right people are on it. not guys like the poodle and mccain who browned their noses with the other side.
tohell with writing letters. you want results? it's not about being nice! it's about bringing home our brothers who deserve nothing less than being planted on american soil. shut the town down on a regular work day like the ww2 vets did after the war when they wouldn't leave town until they received their just due if you want to get it done in a better fashion with more accountability. incidentally, to all those attending r/t this year i believe your hearts are in the right place and i thank you, but it was never intended to be a party.
just my .02
ps: slide show was great and this pic really hit home with me
[url]http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/ts/052605memorialday/im:/050526/ids_photos_ts/r1920837912.jpg?sp=-1&lsp=6000[/url]
Last edited by Guest on Tue May 31, 2005 4:42 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Knighthawk
Commander
Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 323
Location: Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 4:26 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | "I don't want thousands and thousands of motorcycles cluttering up my beautiful city," he said in a phone interview. "It's the annual eyesore, as well as an ear-sore. Every year I find myself surrounded by these people on motorcycles." |
This guy is an a**hole.
The only thing I will agree with is it is an earsore.
I don't believe that loud pipes save lives. I hate loud pipes, it doesn't matter whether they are on a Harley or a rice rocket, they are annoying.
Communities are banning motorcycles for this very reason. My sister lives in a gated community, and the residents are not allowed to keep motorcycles.  More and more communities are heading in this direction, so I would urge all the members that are here to please be a good steward to our hobby/sport.
All of this being said, I am an avid motorcyclist, and have been for 25 years. I am a firm believer that 2 wheels are good, 4 wheels only when absolutely necessary. I ride rain, sleet, cold, it doesn't matter to me, as long as its not icy conditions.
BTW, I was riding in the Alps this Memorial day weekend, and I will attend a Rolling Thunder when I get back to the states.
Remember, keep the shiny side up, and be safe out there, 'cause the cagers are out to get ya'.
_________________
Regards,
Brian
Beware of the lollipop of mediocrity! Lick it once and you'll suck forever.
If guns kill people, then I can blame misspelled words on my pencil.
Knighthawk's Pictures! |
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Guest
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 4:46 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="Knighthawk"] | Quote: | | "I don't want thousands and thousands of motorcycles cluttering up my beautiful city," he said in a phone interview. "It's the annual eyesore, as well as an ear-sore. Every year I find myself surrounded by these people on motorcycles." |
This guy is an a**hole.
The only thing I will agree with is it is an earsore.
I don't believe that loud pipes save lives. I hate loud pipes, it doesn't matter whether they are on a Harley or a rice rocket, they are annoying.
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ok that you don't believe it but i live in nyc and i will testify they do. i ride 35k miles a year unless there is ice. try dealin with nyc cabs every day. |
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Guest
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| Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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greasy nails it also.
http://www.greasyonline.com/rt/index.php
We are going to Rainelle, WV on Memorial Day Weekend and will not be going on to Washington, DC as we have for seventeen years. This will be a patriotic weekend with the focus on the live POWs being abandoned after our wars. Michael J. Martin, Rev. John Steer, and John "Top" Holland are only some people that have said they will be there.
We are doing this as for the last years after we return from Washington, DC, I always ask the question,"What did you hear about live American POWs being abandoned? The last few years I was told by many people that all they heard was music, some speakers and not much else. They may have not been at the program early on Sunday but we arrive at 8:15 at the Pentagon parking lot with about 500 of those that travel with our group from Kentucky. We get out around 2-3 PM and I have not heard anything after I make my way from parking to the program.
I have went there to educate people about the POW/MIA issue and in that I have failed. For whatever reason I see the rally turn into a "biker rally" which I have heard it called on numerous times. I am proud to be a biker but I have other rallies I go to for my biker fun. We are going to Rainelle, WV so that we can hopefully educate people on the POW/MIA issue. I will not condemn anyone for what I see happening in DC. It may just have happened to be getting so big that the message is not getting out but I hope we can get back to what the founder of Rolling Thunder, Ray Manzo started. Ray also
said in the early years that we probably should go to other towns each year to get the message out. We are just continuing what was started many years ago.
Danny "Greasy" Belcher, Executive Director
Task Force Omega of KY Inc.
Infantry Sgt. Vietnam 68-69
D Troop 7th Sqdn. 1st Air Cav. |
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