Close to 300 bikers took to the highways Thursday, May 24, for a ride to remember the fallen and the military members who may still be missing in action. It was all a part of Rolling Thunder’s annual Run for the Wall. These bikers left Milwaukee and are headed to Washington D.C., riding through six states and over 950 miles in two days.
“We have a lot of veterans on the ride. We have doctors, lawyers and dentists,” organizer Keneth Pezewski said.
The annual Run for the Wall event takes place Memorial Day weekend, with the final stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The goal is to raise awareness for our fallen troops and soldiers who are still MIA. We want to help remind people that we should be working to bring them home.
“These people gave up everything. They gave their lives and they gave up having families and everything, so this is the least we can do,” Vietnam veteran Bob “Hogman” Thompson said.
This year, the Milwaukee chapter of Rolling Thunder had its biggest turnout yet, with an even bigger send-off. More than 900 students from Bruce-Guadalupe Community School cheered on the pack as they reached the freeway. They lined the streets of Ninth and Mineral waving American flags.
“I think it’s actually inspiring because people in the Army risk their lives just for our country,” fifth-grader Arial Lopez said.
I tell you, for being 68 years old, it brings a tear to my eye. They’re there sending us off. It’s fantastic,” Pezewski said.
This is the 25th anniversary of Rolling Thunder’s freedom ride to Washington D.C. and the 20th year for the Milwaukee chapter to participate. Join us next year as we honor our country’s heroes, both named and unnamed.
Are you a veteran or member of our nation’s armed forces? The team at Carlson, Blau and Clemens SC is ready to fight for your rights and make the justice system work for you. As a locally owned and operated business, we value our clients and work hard to get you the results you deserve. When you are involved in an accident or experience a personal injury, let us get you the compensation you need to make the most of your recovery.
