Rolling Thunder invaded Washington today and President Bush was on hand to meet with them and became an honorary member.
For the 21st year in a row, Rolling Thunder roared into Washington, D.C., on Sunday for its annual veterans tribute, bringing together an estimated 350,000 motorcyclists — along with thousands of activists, fans and spectators.Jonn Lilyea was also on hand today and has a variety of photos.
Bikers from the group's 88 chapters —across the country and overseas— came together to bring attention to U.S. service members held captive or missing in action.
Riders took off on their rumbling "Ride For Freedom," driving from the Pentagon, across the Potomac River by way of the Memorial Bridge and on to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The party-like atmosphere was punctuated by speeches, tributes and music. Actor John Amos, who read Gen. Colin Powell's "A Letter to a Soldier" lent his voice to the cause.
"This is the most important gathering I have ever been a part of. I share their convictions that all these men and woman must be accounted for. We live in the greatest country in the world, and a gathering like this confirms that we have have more freedom," Amos said.
Meanwhile, we had a tribute to the last known WWI veteran.
Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known living American-born veteran of World War I, was honored Sunday at the Liberty Memorial during Memorial Day weekend celebrations.
"I had a feeling of longevity and that I might be among those who survived, but I didn't know I'd be the No. 1," the 107-year-old veteran said at a ceremony to unveil his portrait.
His photograph was hung in the main hallway of the National World War I Museum, which he toured for the first time, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States presented him with a gold medal of merit.
On Monday, he will be presented the American flag flying outside the memorial.
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