Rolling Thunder - Washington DC – The Official Website

Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisoners of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA). Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising the First Amendment "Right to Petition and Assemble", organized the first group of 2500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. This first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.

Today over 250, 000 motorcycles ride during the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend observance, held each year in our nation’s capital. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars.

ROLLING THUNDER FIRST AMENDMENT DEMONSTRATION RUN

To appreciate how far Rolling Thunder has come, you must go back to where and how and why it got started…..

It was a silent collective cry of American Prisoners of War (POWs) left behind that prompted Ray Manzo, Corporal USMC, to try in some small way to make things right. As the summer of 1987 approached, Manzo observed some veterans by the Reflecting Pool near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. and asked them for help. His idea: Host a motorcycle run in the nation's capital to show the country and the world that abandoned American soldiers in Vietnam still mattered to their fellow servicemen and the country for which they sacrificed their freedom. (read more)

Rolling Thunder has struck a chord in the hearts of veterans and with people from all walks of life. In Rolling Thunders first year it was hard to count the numbers roaring into D.C. from America's heartlands. "We thought 2500 bikes on the first Rolling Thunder run was a whole bunch," explains Walt Sides, who is one of the founders. "Each run has gotten bigger and bigger and bigger." And as Rolling Thunder expanded, so did it’s support base. At first the veterans had to stick their necks way out to demonstrate for their own. Now many of the Rolling Thunder riders were civilians. Thousands of Americans came out to give very public thanks for the sacrifices of veterans like these, as well as those not yet accounted for.

For more information on Rolling Thunder past, Rolling Thunder present, and Rolling Thunder future, click on the tabs.

The word "Rolling Thunder" was first registered in Washington, DC on August 19,1987 and with the National Park Service (represented by Rolling Thunder Vigil in front of the Lincoln Memorial which has been there 24/7 since 1987). Rolling Thunder Washington, DC Inc. also D.B.A. Rolling Thunder Enterprises and RT Enterprises and Warriors Inc. Rolling Thunder Washington, DC Inc. holds the permit for "Thunder Alley" the official vendor area of Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run. For a copy of the original registration, founding minutes, constitution and by-laws for Rolling Thunder please see our HISTORY page.