Rolling Thunder! Once in the Presence, never to be Forgotten!
Memorial Day in the United States of America is a specific day that is set aside for America's fallen heroes from wars past and present, as well as those still living to be honoured and remembered. Whether those Missing-in-Action; (MIA), Prisoners of War, or permanently injured, regardless of whether the politicians were fully justified in taking the country into a specific conflict, the men and women who were placed in harm's way deserve the nation's respect.
One way that respect is demonstarted is by the motorcyclists of America bringing a great and thunderous noise upon Washington D.C. According to Donna, my daughter, who attended this year's event, it appeared that every Harley Davidson every manufactured desended upon the city, along with every Honda Goldwing, and every other make of bike was represented. In fact, it was estimated that about 700,000 bikes showed up, although it would have been difficult to count them because they never stop moving.
They did a pass around The Washington Mall, flying the American flag and allowing the thunder to roll. It took more than three and a half hours for them all to pass one single point. What a sight that must have been. I am a motorbike petrol head and I would have been in my element if I was riding.
My only hope is that the single point I referred to wasn't a motorist waiting at a stop sign for them all to pass so that he could continue his journey. Whether you were a patriot or not, you would have had your patience severely stretched.
Copyright (c) 2013 Eugene Carmichael
