WASHINGTON—Hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists from across the nation rode into Washington on Sunday, May 27, 2018, as part of the 31st annual Rolling Thunder “Ride for Freedom” motorcycle rally.
The rally is an annual Memorial Day weekend tradition that has been maintained since 1988, to honor U.S. military veterans and fallen soldiers. Organized by the non-profit group Rolling Thunder, the rally aims to call to attention to troops missing in action, and to the struggle of surviving veterans.
“Fantastic to have 400,000 GREAT MEN & WOMEN of Rolling Thunder in D.C. showing their patriotism,” President Trump wrote on Twitter. “They love our Country, they love our Flag, they stand for our National Anthem!”
Fantastic to have 400,000 GREAT MEN & WOMEN of Rolling Thunder in D.C. showing their patriotism. They love our Country, they love our Flag, they stand for our National Anthem! Thanks to Executive Director Artie Muller.
More than a million motorcyclists, Washington residents, and spectators from across the country took part in the Sunday’s rally, according to estimates.
A man salutes riders participating in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend “Ride for Freedom” motorcycle rally in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
Riders participate in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
Riders participate in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend “Ride for Freedom” motorcycle rally on Constitution Avenue in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
Riders participate in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
A man waves the U.S. flag at riders participating in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
A man salutes riders participating in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend “Ride for Freedom” motorcycle rally in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
Riders participate in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
Riders participate in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend “Ride for Freedom” motorcycle rally on Independence Avenue in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
Riders participate in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend “Ride for Freedom” motorcycle rally on Independence Avenue in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
Riders participate in the 31st annual Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend “Ride for Freedom” motorcycle rally on Constitution Avenue in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
A participant in Rolling Thunder with his custom motorcycle waits in the parking lot of the Pentagon in Washington on May 27, 2018. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flies over the staging ground of Rolling Thunder motorcyclists at the Pentagon in Washington to show support for the May 27, 2018 Memorial Day weekend “Ride for Freedom” rally. (Paul Huang/The Epoch Times)
