MIA's and Rolling Thunder in DC

Many bikers know about Rolling Thunder, the huge event in Washington, DC that takes place every Memorial Day. There are a lot of people from the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys that go every year to pay their respects to those who died during active military service. It's often confused as a general day for all veterans, but that's incorrect - it's a day to honor the dead.

Since this is a blog, I can express my opinion that there is nothing happy about it, and the phrase "Happy Memorial Day" is a bit irritating. Not that anyone has to be depressed about it either, but being a solemn day, a little peace, quiet, and remembrance of the individuals who left their loved ones too soon and at the behest of this great country, I can only hope that people will find a moment to be thoughtful of the losses.

You may have noticed in our store the photo of my grandfather, Walter E. Pittman. He was an Army pilot in WWII, and then by choice went to the war in Korea - that's where he went Missing In Action when his plane took a hit over North Korea in 1951. He was never seen again. He is one of those we'll honor on May 28th.

The Rolling Thunder people are vigilant in keeping track of those who never returned. Their vests are loaded with patches that question the pursuit of every service person alive or dead. I had the honor of sewing these patches onto a vest for Mr. Orr, and happened to notice that the patch for each annual ride says something different across the bottom that relates to the above mentioned pursuit. 

MAY THEY ALL COME HOME

~ Holly