Terry Yonkers, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, second from left, was among participants of the 2012 Memorial Day Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Shown with Yonkers are, left to right: Christopher Orbits, president of Chapter 20, Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, and club members Verdis and Brenda Jones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Ash)
Motorcycles of service members, veterans and civilians are positioned for the beginning of the annual Memorial Day Rolling Thunder ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This year’s event marked the 25th anniversary of the ride organized to pay tribute to American war heroes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Ash)
U.S. and POW/MIA flags were prominently displayed on the motorcycles of service members, veterans and civilians participating in the annual Memorial Day Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The 25th anniversary event drew more than 900,000 spectators and riders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Ash)
Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove, shown with wife Cindy, led this year’s Memorial Day Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, Chapter 20, Joint Base, Andrews, Md. Breedlove, an avid motorcyclist, said he was proud to have the chance to honor those who have fought and those who currently fight for freedom, and to promote motorcycle safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Ash)
Riders ready their bikes for the annual Memorial Day Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The event, organized each year to honor American war heroes, drew more than 900,000 spectators and riders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Ash)
7/12/2012 - WASHINGTON -- To commemorate the lives of those Missing in Action and the protection of Prisoners of War, service members, veterans and civilians gathered here Memorial Day weekend to take part in the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Approximately 900,000 participants and spectators converged at the Pentagon this year to mark the 25th anniversary of the event.
Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove led the ride with the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, Chapter 20, Joint Base Andrews, Md., and chapter president Christopher Orbits.
Breedlove, an avid motorcyclist, said participation in Rolling Thunder gave new meaning to honoring those who fought and those who continue to fight for freedom.
"This event also kicked off the summer riding season, giving me an opportunity to be involved and support the Air Force's focus on safety," said Breedlove. "I am an advocate for rider safety and this event allowed me to support motorcycle mentorship."
Terry Yonkers, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, also participated in this year's ride.
