Rolling Thunder Honors POW/MIA for 25 Years!

There are many reasons to hit the road this weekend on your motorcycle - but one organization will hit the road for the 25th year with the mission of educating others to never forget the men and women that were left behind after the war.  Although this is not a local organization or ride, we thought it was a topic of interest and wanted to share a little bit of the history of this amazing event that started with one man who felt the need to make a difference.

Back in 1987, Corporal Ray Manzo USMC 1967-69, visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC and was bewildered when he learned that American servicemen had been abandoned in Southeast Asia and the end of the Vietnam War.  As a Marine, his mind was boggled because this was so contrary to his training to "Leave No Man Behind.”  He wasn't sure what to do at first, but he knew that the nation's capital would be the place to start - so he decided to host a motorcycle rally to educate and remind the country of the POWs and MIAs.

Things moved quickly as he began his campaign of education through a formal letter to biker publications.  He then recruited his fellow veterans to help him "cut thru the red tape";  Sgt. Major John Holland, 1st Sgt. Walt Sides and SSgt. Ted Sampley.  These four men became the founding fathers of Rolling Thunder.  Staring at the Memorial Bridge, they envisioned the event to be "like the sound of rolling thunder coming across the bridge."  

No other date seemed quite as appropriate as Memorial Day to sponsor this run.  In May of 1988, thousands of bikes poured into the streets for the first Rolling Thunder...the dream had become a reality.  The initial vision was for a one-time demonstration, but due to popular demand they decided to continue the run.  Rolling Thunder is now celebrating the 25th Anniversary and has grown to the world’s largest single-day motorcycle event.

"Rolling Thunder’s mission is to educate, facilitate, and never forget by means of a demonstration for service members that were abandoned after the Vietnam War. Rolling Thunder has also evolved into a display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country."**

The dream was realized and became something even bigger than the original founding father's could have imagined.  "POW/MIA numbers from wars following the Vietnam War have greatly diminished and the treatment of returning veterans has greatly improved.  This year our government is issuing a proclamation to officially “welcome home” the Vietnam Veterans to compensate them, in some way, for the poor treatment they received when they first returned."**

We hope you will take a moment to reflect and remember the sacrifices that have been made - for more information about the Rolling Thunder visit their website at www.rollingthunderrun.com.

Make your plans now to attend the ULTIMATE Lake of the Ozark Bike Event  SEPT 12 - SEPT 15!!

Be sure to make your plans now to attend the ULTIMATE Lake of the Ozarks Bike Event  SEPT 12 - SEPT 15!!

Keep up with everything planned for the 2013 Lake Bike Fest!!

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**http://rollingthunderrun.com/our-mission/