About 150 members of North Carolina's seven chapters of Rolling Thunder traveled to Raleigh, NC to participate in the Salute the Troops parade on Saturday, April 26th. It was a spectacular event, and according to organizers, the first of it's kind in the country. The goal was very simple; say "thank you" to those military members - active duty, guard, and reserve - and their families for all they do for our nation.
Thousands of spectators lined the 1.5 mile parade route. I think I can safely speak for all members of Rolling Thunder who rode in the parade when I say it was an honor to be part of this event.
The first stop was at Ray Price HD in Raleigh, where riders from all Rolling Thunder chapters met before heading to the parade staging area.
This was the crew from Chapter 1.
Of course, once at the staging area it was "hurry up and wait"...
...and wait some more.
Rolling Thunder was well represented - about 85 bikes was the count I heard.
After the parade, Senator Elizabeth Dole joined Rolling Thunder for a group picture and several individual shots. While she didn't seem to be intimidated or in awe of the gathering, there obviously were some who were!!
