A who’s who of the Nation’s defense will essentially become honorary bikers for a day as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates among others will join in the 24th Annual Rolling Thunder demonstration later this month.
Joining the Secretary of Defense will also be Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of POW/MIA Personnel office Norman Kass (RET) and Commander Kirk Lippold (USN RET).
Commander Lippold is the former commander of the USS Cole, which was the target of a deadly terrorist attack in Yemen in 2000.
Beginning in 1987 and continuing through the present, Rolling Thunder has conducted the “Rolling Thunder Run” on Memorial Day Weekend with members converging on Washington, D.C to show their continued support for the efforts to find lost service men and women of past conflicts.
At this year’s event the guests will be featured speakers at Rolling Thunder’s 24th annual demonstration in Washington, D.C., May 27-29, 2011. They will speak during the May 29 program, which will also include appearances by Lynn O’Shea, director of research for the National Alliance of Families for the Return of America’s Missing Servicemen along with Veteran’s Advocate Nikki Mendicino and other supporters of Rolling Thunder and the POW/MIA issue.
This year due to construction, the stage will be located in the field between the Reflecting Pool and the Korean Memorial. Weekend highlights include:
Friday, May 27
Candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Wall led by Gold Star and Blue Star families to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, and those who are still missing or held prisoner, 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
Salute to the Troops program at the stage in the field between the Reflecting Pool and Korean Memorial, noon to 3 p.m.
Reception honoring Gold Star/Blue Star families, wounded veterans from area hospitals, and families of POWs/MIAs at the Hyatt Crystal City at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 29
Program of speakers and music at the stage in the field between the Reflecting Pool and Korean Memorial from 1:30-5 p.m.
Providing musical tributes at the Sunday event once again will be internationally known singer/entertainer, actress and long-time veterans’ supporter Nancy Sinatra, country singer Gordon Painter, the Loch Rannoch Pipes & Drums Band, singer Kelly Trudell and Southern Fried Musicians.
A new addition this year is a dynamic group of singers known as 4TROOPS. These four young veterans’ mission is to honor their fellow servicemen and women and recognize the sacrifices our armed forces make in service to their country. They have been featured on The View, Good Morning America, ABC’s Nightline, and other programs and are touring nationally and internationally. Bios on all speakers and musical performers are available in the Rolling Thunder online press room.
The Rolling Thunder Inc. Flame of Freedom will also be transported via motorcycle escort from Oklahoma to Washington, DC, arriving May 27. The Flame will be used at the candlelight vigil to escort Gold Star families as they walk along the Vietnam Wall during the May 27 candlelight remembrance.
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