# Loud motorcycles to honor vets on Memorial Day? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 31, 2019, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844 "2019-05-31T19:20:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2019, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/1 "2019-05-31T19:20:44Z")
A couple years ago I was in DC on Memorial Day weekend. And I found out that there is an annual ride to honor fallen vets. From what I can tell all they do is ride around the national mall in a circle for a while in mostly loud Harley bikes. This year they announced this is the last year of the ride. But Trump said it’s not the last year in his normal nutty way Does anyone think that making a lot of noise in DC is a good way to honor fallen vets? ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2019, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/2 "2019-05-31T19:31:42Z")
It’s called “Rolling Thunder.” Read all about it here: [https://www.rollingthunderrun.com/](https://www.rollingthunderrun.com/) ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2019, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/3 "2019-05-31T19:45:30Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > It’s called “Rolling Thunder.” Read all about it here: > > [https://www.rollingthunderrun.com/](https://www.rollingthunderrun.com/) Interesting. I’m all for protests. But what do they think the government can do that it hasn’t done? > [@](#): > > The first Run in 1988, had roughly 2500 motorcycles and riders demanding that the U.S. government account for all POW/MIA’s. ---
**Author:** ![Hatchie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hatchie/32/3983_2.png) [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/4 "2019-06-01T02:37:48Z")
Why, get [these guys](http://www.miafacts.org/threeamigos.htm) home! Oh wait, that was a hoax. Turns out they weren’t POWs after all. That photo, in 1991, was sort of the last gasp of the “Vietnam left-behind American prisoners” conspiracy hawking that got much traction. But the true believers carry on. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/5 "2019-06-01T13:45:29Z")
n/m ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/6 "2019-06-01T14:17:07Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > This year they announced this is the last year of the ride. But Trump said it’s not the last year in his normal nutty way I’m no fan of the President, but this at least was not an example of him being “nutty”. The reason that Rolling Thunder is not being planned for next year is that the cost of it is too high. The primary reason for this is dealing with the security concerns of having a large group of motorcyclists parading around amidst sensitive security areas (namely, federal government buildings that include the White House and the Congress). President Trump’s assertion that they will be back is, in essence, a statement on his part that he wants his Administration to facilitate their return, by waiving or paying for or otherwise mitigating the expense of security efforts. Which, certainly, he’s in a position to see happens. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/7 "2019-06-01T14:34:08Z")
Speaking as a DC resident, I have always hated Rolling Thunder. I fail to see how annoying people with loud bikes is any kind of tribute. And the difference with the loud fireworks of the Fourth of July is that most people enjoy fireworks; the fireworks last for only like 30 or 40 minutes; and if you don’t want to be bothered by the noise, just don’t go down to the Mall. For Rolling Thunder, it’s thousands of bikers being obnoxious all over the area for a whole weekend, even to the point of bikes racing down streets at 2 am just to wake people up. So, good riddance. I welcome back everyone next year who wants to commemorate the holiday in a way that isn’t antisocial. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/8 "2019-06-01T14:42:17Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > For Rolling Thunder, it’s thousands of bikers being obnoxious all over the area for a whole weekend, even to the point of bikes racing down streets at 2 am just to wake people up. But, but… the British are coming! And you call yourself a Patriot. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/9 "2019-06-01T14:43:02Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > I’m no fan of the President, but this at least was not an example of him being “nutty”. So it’s more an example of him being ineffective. Because he didn’t actually do anything. He just publicly said he was going to do something. And let’s face facts, he has a long history of saying he’s going to do something and then not following through. Trump loves attention but he doesn’t like work. If the only thing Rolling Thunder’s future has is Trump’s promise, then it’s over. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/10 "2019-06-01T18:22:40Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > So it’s more an example of him being ineffective. > > Because he didn’t actually do anything. He just publicly said he was going to do something. And let’s face facts, he has a long history of saying he’s going to do something and then not following through. Trump loves attention but he doesn’t like work. > > If the only thing Rolling Thunder’s future has is Trump’s promise, then it’s over. No, it’s an example of him potentially being “ineffective”. If he fails to follow through, then you can remove the qualifier. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2019, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/11 "2019-06-01T18:35:43Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > If the only thing Rolling Thunder’s future has is Trump’s promise, then it’s over. Boy Howdy! That’s pretty near the last nail in the coffin. Trump is more full of shit than I am. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2019, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/12 "2019-06-02T02:57:38Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > No, it’s an example of him potentially being “ineffective”. If he fails to follow through, then you can remove the qualifier. 😉 So as long as he hasn’t done anything, it counts as a success? Because he might still do it in the future? You must have dug a trench to lower the bar that far down. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/13 "2019-06-03T00:46:44Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > The reason that Rolling Thunder is not being planned for next year is that the cost of it is too high. I think I read that it costs $200,000 for Rolling Thunder. I don’t know why Harley Davidson and the other bike makers don’t step up and donate the money for next year. It’s a good cause that draws attention. Interesting story: I was at Arlington cemetery with my kids on the 29th, and while waiting to go through the metal detectors, all I heard was huge biker guys in full leathers complaining about how hot it was 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/14 "2019-06-03T02:03:17Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Speaking as a DC resident, I have always hated Rolling Thunder. I fail to see how annoying people with loud bikes is any kind of tribute. And the difference with the loud fireworks of the Fourth of July is that most people enjoy fireworks; the fireworks last for only like 30 or 40 minutes; and if you don’t want to be bothered by the noise, just don’t go down to the Mall. For Rolling Thunder, it’s thousands of bikers being obnoxious all over the area for a whole weekend, even to the point of bikes racing down streets at 2 am just to wake people up. > > So, good riddance. I welcome back everyone next year who wants to commemorate the holiday in a way that isn’t antisocial. Exactly. Now, can we get rid of police week? ---
**Author:** ![Hatchie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hatchie/32/3983_2.png) [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/15 "2019-06-03T05:34:10Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > It’s a good cause that draws attention. Not a good cause. There are no POWs, never were since 1975 I believe. As for those who went missing in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the US military is to be commended for doing its best to account for all, and return remains when possible, but it’s a slow and difficult process that will never be concluded to everyone’s satisfaction. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/16 "2019-06-03T05:57:20Z")
I had no idea it was a national thing. In Milwaukee he had a few rides this week and I think another later in the week. I don’t know who pays for organizing it (likely the local Harley dealerships), but it brings a lot of money into the local economy. For the ride yesterday, we did catering for about a hundred people. During the big rallies every 5 years, there’s unfathomable amount of bikes in the area (think Sturgis). The local hotels are always booked for the next one by the time current one is done. Plus people coming in from all over the country/world and spending money at the local restaurants, bars, clubs, gas stations, hotels etc. As far as it being to honor vets, based on what I see, quote a number of the bikers are vets themselves. Plus if anyone is looking for a cause to ride for, it’s the HOGs. As for the noise, I dunno, for one weekend I don’t mind it and it’s kinda fun. Loud, yes, but fun to watch…and this is coming from someone that lives close enough to the intersection of two main roads that I hear them all night long. Looking at some of the other posts, perhaps out situation is biased. Again, yes, the bikes are loud, but generally well behaved. I don’t recall much racing, they tend to be courteous to cars (cagers). And we have a motorcycle club headquarters (The Outlaws) that is a rival of the Hell’s Angels, and still no real problems that I’ve ever seen. Also, @manson, I’m sure it’s hot in full leathers, but if he was actually wearing leather pants, gloves and a jacket, he’s more concerned about protection (road rash if he falls) than weather. If it was just for looks, he’d likely just have leather boots and a vest. And, just because I looked it up, these rallies bring in between 150,000 and 200,000 bikes. It’s A LOT of people. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/17 "2019-06-03T06:19:20Z")
> [@Hatchie](#): > > As for those who went missing in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the US military is to be commended for doing its best to account for all, and return remains when possible, but it’s a slow and difficult process that will never be concluded to everyone’s satisfaction. The fact that a “missing” soldier was almost certainly going to come back as _remains_ (if the body was even found) was willfully [misconstrued by the Nixon administration](https://www.newsweek.com/its-time-haul-down-another-flag-racist-hate-361929), which is where the conspiracy theories originate: > [@](#): > > It began, as cultural historian H. Bruce Franklin has documented, with an opportunistic shift in terminology. Downed pilots whose bodies were not recovered—which, in the dense jungle of a place like Vietnam meant most pilots—had once been classified “Killed in Action/Body Unrecovered.” > > During the Nixon years, the Pentagon moved them into a newly invented “Missing in Action” column. That proved convenient, for, after years of playing down the existence of American prisoners in Vietnam, in 1969, the new president suddenly decided to play them up. > > […] > > Whenever Nixon or one of his minions talked about the problem, they tended to use the number 1,400. The number of actual prisoners, was about 550. The number of downed, missing pilots were spoken of, prima facia, as if they were missing, too, although almost all of them were certainly dead. This makes me very pessimistic, honestly. What wacky MAGA fact are people going to be flying flags and revving engines for in 2069? ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/18 "2019-06-03T13:29:45Z")
> [@Hatchie](#): > > Not a good cause. There are no POWs, never were since 1975 I believe. As for those who went missing in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the US military is to be commended for doing its best to account for all, and return remains when possible, but it’s a slow and difficult process that will never be concluded to everyone’s satisfaction. Well, I say it’s a good cause. Plus it’s cool to see all the bikes and bikers. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/19 "2019-06-03T13:53:38Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Plus it’s cool to see all the bikes and bikers. I recall a couple years ago having lunch in Old Town Alexandria, where a couple bikers thought it would be “cool” to have their bikes running for 30 minutes and periodically rev the engines to show everyone how loud they are. Probably in that way that it is “cool” to annoy hundreds of people for no reason. As I said before, good riddance. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2019, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844/20 "2019-06-03T14:03:32Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > I recall a couple years ago having lunch in Old Town Alexandria, where a couple bikers thought it would be “cool” to have their bikes running for 30 minutes and periodically rev the engines to show everyone how loud they are. Probably in that way that it is “cool” to annoy hundreds of people for no reason. > > As I said before, good riddance. Was it during Rolling Thunder? If not, I fail to see the relevance. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844.md?page=2)