Rolling Thunder will be back, Trump predicts; organizer says not so fast
Veterans expect event to shift from DC to states
Thousands of motorcyclists gathered in Washington this weekend amid confusion over whether it would be the final ride for Rolling Thunder, the annual Memorial Day weekend demonstration described by organizers as “an emotional display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country.”
Organizers cited changing times, the size of the event, a lack of cooperation from federal officials and a price tag estimated at $200,000. Starting in 2020, smaller Memorial Day weekend programs will be held in individual states, the group announced in December.
President Donald Trump has other ideas for the future of the annual Ride for Freedom.
Saturday, Trump tweeted that he “can’t believe that Rolling Thunder would be given a hard time with permits in Washington, D.C.” He promised to help if he could.
Sunday, it sounded as if the deal was done.
“The Great Patriots of Rolling Thunder WILL be coming back to Washington, D.C. next year, & hopefully for many years to come,” Trump tweeted. “It is where they want to be, & where they should be. Have a wonderful time today. Thank you to our great men & women of the Pentagon for working it out!”
Not so fast, Rolling Thunder spokeswoman Nancy Regg said Monday. She told USA TODAY the group appreciates Trump’s concern but has no plans to return to Washington. It’s not just about the money – she said businesses and individuals have come forward offering plenty of cash.
“As of right now, this was our final ride. We are done in D.C.,” Regg said. “We will keep going regionally.”
Founders Artie Muller and Ray Manzo first planned for a gathering in Washington on Memorial Day weekend in 1988 to draw attention to POW and MIA Vietnam War veterans. The roar of the bikes would simulate the bombing campaign against North Vietnam dubbed Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965.
About 2,500 motorcyclists took part in the first ride. The number has ballooned since, and so have the costs, the group said in a statement in December.
“Our mission is still our POWs and MIAs and making sure that veterans get the services they need,” Regg said. “But we’ve been at this for 32 years . ... It’s time for a change.”