This weekend marks an important Federal Holiday where we pause to honor and remember all the men and women who have died in military services for the United States.  Living in Northern Virginia, so close to District of Columbia, we are fortunate to have so many events planned this weekend in helping us pay tribute to our great military.  One of the biggest events being held is weekend is Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder's main event will take place this Sunday when  thousands of motorcycles will "Roll" into D.C for a ride from the Pentagon to The Vietnam Memorial Wall.  Have you ever heard the sound of thousands of motorcycles?  Thunder really is the best word to describe it.

Rolling Thunder is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 to bring full accountability for the Prisoner's of War and Missing in Action of all United States Wars.  Their motto is, "We Will Never Forget." Each year since 1988, they organize an annual motorcycle run the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend for a ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, also known as the Freedom Run.  Motorcycle participants leave the Pentagon parking lot at Noon in a parade setting making their way to the Wall.  Each year Motorcycle's and riders are decorated with American flags, patriotic attire and POW flags as they head to the Wall with streets lined with spectators dressed in Red, White and blue waving flags at the participants.   This event is really beautiful as it captures the love for our military and reminds that patriotism is still alive and well.

The parade officially starts at Noon on Sunday, May 24 but it is highly recommended you get there early.  Many people start showing up to find their spot along the parade route as early at 9 a.m.  During this event their are many road closures in downtown D.C. and parking is scarce.  Taking the Metro into D.C. is definitely your best choice.  You can find more about the parade route, Thunder Alley shopping & all this weekend events organized by Rolling Thunder Run at or on Rolling Thunder's official website. 

On behalf of everyone here at Claudia S. Nelson Real Estate Team of Woodbridge, we wish every a blessed and safe Memorial Day Weekend!  We hope everyone is able to give pause and remember the true meaning of this Holiday.  And remember there is always a lot of travelers on the roads any Holiday weekend but this weekend we will also have a lot of motorcycles from all over the country.  To learn more about motorcycle safety, please check out my blog, Things Motorcycle Enthusiast Want You To Know.