Rolling Thunder 2009

This year I rode in Rolling Thunder with my dad! It was amazing. Rolling Thunder began as a war protest during/after Vietnam. It is a reminder to the government that there are still POWs and MIAs that need to be brought home. I have never been very vocal when it comes to politics. "To each his/her own" has kinda been my mantra. I really went on this trip for the thrill of riding with my dad.

I rode the train down to DC Friday night. I truly think my experience began when I got off the train. I stepped into Union Station at 6:45am and was the only person in one of the most beautiful buildings I have been in! Then and there I felt small and "free". Now to this busy mama, freedom means being without children to worry and fuss over. I did not need to hurry to the bathroom, grab a healthy snack, or entertain anyone! I walked into the sunshine and read until I got picked up! This day was spent entertaining me. I got to make decisions based on what I wanted to do. My dad, the Middletons, and I spent the day relaxing and taking it all in.

Sunday began around 7am. To tell you that I was excited for the day is a huge understatement!! As I was getting dressed, I could hear the roll of motorcycles driving into town and I couldn't help but smile! I was very emotional. This is about the time that my definition of freedom began to change. We rode into town with the cool wind in my face. We were directed into the North parking lot of the Pentagon. We arrived around 8:30am and there were already thousands of bikes there (estimated total was 300k bikes)! The rest of the day is mere details on the timeline. What I took away was the faces and the feelings of the people I spoke with. These were the crusty people I have ever meet, but they were also the kindest, most respectful, and patriotic people I have ever known!

We talked with vets who have a fierce love of their country. Some have been through hell and back, many lost friends, and most left bits and pieces of their souls behind, but the passion they feel for this great nation is tremendous. I had tears in my eyes for much of the day. I am truly humbled. Freedom has become more than just a defined word in my book, it is now something more. It is putting my hand on my dad's shoulder when we found his friend's name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall and thanking God that my dad is here. Having the ability to reach out and touch the names of the people who have sacrificed for me. It is sitting among heroes and thinking that they are larger than life. Freedom is not free and the toll is high.

Whatever your political views, you have been granted FREEDOM by our founding fathers and it is protected each and every day by all those past and present serving in our nation's military. To say "thank you" seems so small to me. I am proud...