|
Author's Note...
The Revving Roar of Rolling Thunder was
originally published on the website of the
Classical Society of Poets on May 25, 2018.
Dear Readers,
A patriotic tradition began
in the autumn of 1987 when 2 men, Artie Muller
and Ray Manzo, decided to advocate for fellow
veterans by riding their motorcycles through
Washington D.C. over the following Memorial Day
weekend. In an era before “social media”, they
shared their plans with family, friends, and
other veterans, hoping the addition of more
bikers would magnify the sound of their engines.
That first year, Memorial Day weekend 1988,
bikers from all over the country met them and,
by the time they reached the capital, they were
2,500 strong. Since then, every year on the
Sunday preceding Memorial Day, thousands of
Rolling Thunder bikers participate in the Ride
For Freedom Demonstration Run, departing the
Pentagon Parking Lot at noon, crossing Arlington
Memorial Bridge, and riding up Constitution
Avenue.
However, before the more famous Ride For Freedom
captures the attention of lawmakers, it’s
preceding journey, Run For The Wall, awakens the
electorate. During this 10-day, cross-country
migration, Rolling Thunder’s individual chapters
join 1 of 3 Run For The Wall’s routes to
Washington D.C. These dedicated bikers will ride
400 miles per day, through sun, rain, and sleet;
through mountains and deserts, contending with
temperatures ranging from 30 to 115 degrees;
but, most importantly, as they progress from
heartland to beltway, they are cheered on by the
American people.
One year, somewhere amidst The Revving Roar of
Rolling Thunder, a poet’s eyes well up … and a
sonnet is conceived.
Thank you for
reading my tribute to these patriotic bikers.
Sincerely,
E. V. Wyler
It is illegal to use
this poem without E. V. Wyler's permission.
Send your comments and/or use permission request to
E. V. Wyler
Heroes and Patriots Poems |
Poem Categories
|
