REFLECTIONS ON ROLLING THUNDER

It started from the Pentagon, it was an awesome sight,
A motorcade of cyclists, an entourage of knights.
Winding through the streets, as far as you can see,
Across Memorial Bridge, through Washington, DC

Up Independence Avenue, and ’round the Capitol,
By Washington’s Monument, on and on they roll.
Down Constitution Avenue, past the reflecting pool.
The roar of different cycles, but all playing the same tune.
Past the cheering crowds, lined up along the street,
With their hands outstretched, to bikers they would greet.
Where do they all come from, why is it they come?
From Pacific, North and South, like sounds of rolling drums.

From rows of eight across to fifteen bikes abreast,
Assorted motorcycles, honoring the best.
The ultimate direction, for the bikers all,
All headed down the city’s streets, for the Viet Nam Wall.

Feelings of emotions and feelings of much pride,
Respect for those missing, and in ‘Nam that died.
Despite the controversy, they were well up to the task.
Those inscribed upon the wall, served when they were asked.

They gave their lives for us, so that we may be free,
Free to live and ride, wherever that we please.
For POW/MIA’s, that is why we roam,
Never to be forgotten, bring all of them back home.

Author: Paul B. Murray
1st Mobile Combat Communications Group, USAF
(1st MOB) “Black Hats” based in the Philippines
SouthEast Asia: 1967; Tet Offensive 1968; 1969

VIETNAM
Khe Sanh 2/68; Quang Tri; Hue; Phu Bai; Chu Lai; Pleiku;
Bien Hoa; Ban Me Thout; Nha Trang; Da Nang;
Cam Ranh Bay; Saigon (and other places with no names)
THAILAND
Nakhon Phanom (Laotian border); Udon; Ubon; Korat; Bangkok
KOREA
PUEBLO INCIDENT-1968 Osan; Kunsan, Seoul
JAPAN, TAIWAN, OKINAWA
KOREA
Taegu 1970-1971