Spending Memorial Day in our nation’s capitol is to truly feel the heartbeat of this country. You feel the literal blood flow of freedom.

You’ll be proud.

You’ll cry.

The sacrifices that it has taken to preserve the liberty of this country leap out at you from everywhere—in the form of humbling monuments and in a powerful spirit that makes the air heavy with honor.

Each war and every hero is represented; from the pioneers who freed us from England’s tyranny, to those who died in the trenches of World War I, to the WW II vets, to Korea, to Vietnam, to Iraq and everything in between.

It’s so obvious that peace and freedom isn’t always won and preserved by politicians and diplomats sitting around a table. It takes blood and might; and Americans are always willing to shed that blood and exercise that might—that’s what makes us Americans.

When you add the sound and strength of thousands of big bikes to this mix, you have the fiery awe of Rolling Thunder; the annual show of pride and power that roars into D.C. each year.

The Boozefighters are always high profile during this weekend—as we should be. This club was founded by veterans; men who laid their lives on the line for America.

Along with our local chapters in the D.C. area, there were many more members who came from all over the country; everyone there to share the parties, the fun, the brotherhood and a collective pride in the United States of America.

The day of the “big parade,” a long line of members received a special police escort along a stretch of freeway that was completely closed just for us; we were brought to our own cordoned-off corner.

It was perfect.

Rolling Thunder.

American pride.

Boozefighter pride.

By…Bill Hayes (BFMC Natl Press & Publicity Officer)