On May 26, 2024—Memorial Day weekend in the United States—thousands of bikers rode past the Lincoln Memorial and other monuments in Washington, DC to honor fallen service members and to raise awareness for veterans’ needs.
The tradition began in 1988, when Vietnam War veterans organized the first ride. Nearly every year since, riders have gathered in the capital. In 2020, American Veterans (AMVETS) assumed leadership of the event, renaming it Rolling to Remember and expanding its mission to support all veterans.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. That sacrifice was deeply present in the minds of the riders, many of whom were Vietnam veterans. The gathering was both solemn and celebratory—moving for participants and spectators alike.
Sources: Rolling to Remember | Wikipedia | Motorcycle ride similar to Rolling Thunder rolls on with a new name and sponsor | Thousands of bikers take to the capital for ‘Rolling to Remember’ | Military Times | Rolling Thunder National