Memorial Day, Run for the Wall, and Rolling Thunder

With Memorial Day just around the corner, hundreds of bikers are riding towards our nation's capital, as Run for the Wall, the brainchild of retired Marine James Gregory, makes its way to Rolling Thunder.  

One patriotic artist captures these uniquely American events and expressions of unadulterated love of country.

Renowned artist David Uhl superbly captures the essentials of Rolling Thunder: patriotism, service & sacrifice, American bikers, and independence.  

Marine Staff Sergeant Chambers is now an iconic element of the day.

And the realized vision of one man, Artie Muller.

Unbridled generosity, unabashed patriotism

Motorcyclists (aka bikers) are some of nation's most generous folks.  Every weekend, across the country, bikers come together to ride for a cause.  

Some rides support recognizable causes, like "the cure."  Other rides are local poker runs to support individual needs.

For a few dollars, the biker usually has the opportunity to win or get a little something -- maybe a t-shirt -- while enjoying a ride in the company of like minded motorcyclists.  The proceeds from the run go to the designated cause or purpose.  But it much, much more than simply dropping some dollars into the collection bucket.  

Sharing the American born and raised love for independence embodied in the biker culture, they come out on their rides to be part of an experience.  Maybe a few dozen riders.  Maybe a few hundred.  Maybe a few thousand.  Maybe along country roads.  Maybe on freeways and highways.  All part of the experience of a charity run of one type or another.  Occasionally the run provides an opportunity to show the larger community their generosity, like a toy run prior to Christmas.

In addition to their incredible generosity, bikers are extremely patriotic.  Indeed, many are veterans.  Each May, one large group of bikers leaves Los Angeles, heading to the nation's capital, in a massive demonstration that patriotism never goes out of style.

The destination for Run to the Wall is Rolling Thunder.

From across the nation, tens of thousands of bikes roll through the streets of Washington DC to pay homage to those lost in Vietnam and those missing in action.  And to our servicemen and -women.  Flags flying in testament to the very freedoms embodied by riding a motorcycle.

Whatever some may think, the overwhelming majority of bikers are known for their unbridled generosity and unabashed patriotism. 

Quintessentially American

Nothing better conveys the image of American independence better than the motorcycle.  

Whether it is the solo rider on the open road.

A group ride.

The iconic imagery of the American biker is linked to independence, freedom, patriotism, and, perhaps, a bit of rebellion.

Today our young veterans are gravitating to the biker lifestyle, just as their forefathers did at the end of World War II.  What began in Hollister in 1947 continues today in locales like Sturgis.

More and more clubs are being organized by the veterans and active duty military, in which they share common values and the love of the open road.  

Seen at rallies and events across the nation, their leathers and vests are adorned with American flags, military insignia, service ribbons, combat action ribbons, rank insignia, and patriotic statements.

Multiple generations of warriors, from Viet Nam to Iraq and Afghanistan, roll alongside one another.  

The quintessential expression of American independence. 

Memorial Day 2016

Memorial Day 2016 will see thousands of bikers converge on Washington, DC to participate in Rolling Thunder.  Starting with staging in the north parking lot of the Pentagon (brings back memories of being one of the first in and last out of that lot during my time there 1993-1997).

Once the ride begins, it will be hours before the last bikes cross over the bridge into our nation's capital.

Along the route, the riders will pass Marine Staff Sergeant Chamberlain, nicknamed "The Saluting Marine."

Some will have ridden thousands of miles to participate in this uniquely American expression of patriotism. 

Like those in Run for the Wall.

Lest no one ever forget our fallen, POWs, or those for whom there is no accounting.