Rolling Thunder®, Inc.'s 28th Annual Memorial Day Demonstration Still Asking Accountability for those Prisoners of War/Missing in Action
NESHANIC STATION, N.J., May 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year is the organization's 28th anniversary demonstration in support of POW/MIA and Veterans' Issues. Speakers for this year include Tommy G. Tompson, 42nd Governor of Wisconsin; Lynn O'Shea, Director of research for the National Alliance of Families; Robert Patrick, actor currently starring in the TV series "Scorpion"; Christian Walters, U.S. Army Officer and International Marketing for Harley-Davidson; Myke Shelby Air Force 507th DAS-TAC-P and other supporters of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. and the POW/MIA issue. A lineup of celebrity entertainers is slated to provide a fitting musical tribute, including Nancy Sinatra, Loch Rannoch Pipes & Drums Band, Gordon Painter, Ben Mason, the 6th Generation, Sharon Lee Ruckle and Rockie Lynne.
Weekend Highlights include:
- Friday, May 22
- National Washington Cathedral "Blessing of the Bikes" – Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues, Washington, D.C. – 5 p.m.
- Candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Wall led by the Flame of Freedom which will lead the Gold Star mothers to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, and those who are still missing or held prisoner – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, May 23
- Harley-Davidson of Washington - 9407 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD - free barbeque 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- U.S. Navy Memorial wreath presentation - 11 a.m.
- Saturday Program – Speakers & Musical Tribute – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Rolling Thunder Hospitality Room - Hyatt Regency, Crystal City - 8 p.m.
- Sunday, May 24
- Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Demonstration - leaves Pentagon North Parking Lot at noon
- Program of speakers and Musical Tribute to Veterans at the stage in front of the Reflecting Pool facing the Lincoln Memorial from 1:30 - 5 p.m.
The Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Flame of Freedom will also be transported via motorcycle escort from Oklahoma to Washington, DC, arriving May 22. The Flame will be used at the Candlelight Vigil to lead Gold Star mothers as they walk along the Vietnam Wall during the May 22 candlelight remembrance. For more information: rtflameoffreedom.com
Rolling Thunder®, Inc. continues to seek answers on the POW/MIA issue, encourage members of Congress to get several pieces of legislation passed into law (visit the "Government Affairs" page of our website); our military was promised healthcare when they retired and are now being told they have to pay for it. Prescription drug costs continue to rise with many Veteran's now going without the medication they need. As of April 15, 2015 there are still over 457,695 VA claims pending with 183,190 claims over 125 days. The backlog of VA claims is a major contributing factor to the increased homelessness and suicide rates of our Veterans.
Information for Media
Program details will be available in the Rolling Thunder®, Inc. press room at rollingthunder1.org and are updated as needed. Members of Rolling Thunder®, Inc.'s National Media Committee will be available at event locations throughout the weekend to assist working press with interviews, photographs, and any other needs. For more information or to schedule interviews in advance, please contact Nancy Regg, National Media Committee Chairperson, at (908) 310-3268 (cell) or [email protected].
Rolling Thunder®, Inc., a 501(c)(4) non-profit Veterans organization incorporated in 1995, by National Director Sgt. Artie Muller, to seek accountability for all POW/MIA's from past wars and to promote the needs of Veterans. National membership is comprised of Veterans from all wars and peacetime with 40-45% of members being non-veterans. There are currently over 95 chartered Rolling Thunder®, Inc. chapters throughout the United States. Although many members ride motorcycles, a person does not have to own or ride a motorcycle to be a member.
SOURCE Rolling Thunder, Inc.
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