Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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May 24, 2009

'Rolling Thunder' Bikers Roll Into Washington for Annual Rally
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=246A8D8:A6F02AD83191E160339619CBD112EE2D2A201403E89ED254&
 
Participants in 'Rolling Thunder' gather to draw attention to the cases
of US military personnel missing in action 
Thousands of motorcycle riders from across the United States have come
to Washington for an annual rally on Memorial Day weekend. Bikers ride
past the Lincoln Memorial as they take part in Rolling Thunder 21 along
The National Mall, in Washington (File)Participants in "Rolling Thunder"
gather to draw attention to the cases of U.S. military personnel who may
be prisoners of war or missing in action from all wars, and to other
issues affecting military veterans. The rally is part of the U.S.
Memorial Day observance that pays tribute to fallen American service
members. The holiday weekend is also seen as the unofficial start of
summer in the United States, with people often celebrating with parades,
picnics and other outdoor activities. The rally takes its name from
"Operation Rolling Thunder" - the constant bombing of North Vietnam in
1965. Many of the bikers who will ride their motorcycles Sunday from the
Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington are veterans!
  of the Vietnam war.


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