About Us

about us

The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize the POW*MIA issue. To educate the public that many American Prisoners of War were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect future Veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners Of War (POW) or Missing In Action (MIA). We are also committed to helping American Veterans from all wars.

how it all started:

The Vietnam War proved to be a difficult time in America's history. Similar to today's political climate, our nation was divided, primarily over issues of peace and war. As the Vietnam war came to a close, more than 58,000 American soldiers were killed, and thousands more were still being held as Prisoners of War, or deemed Missing In Action. Our government failed its mission of accountability, by not bringing home the remains of the fallen or missing for an honorable and respectful burial.

However, in 1988, several veterans of the Vietnam War rallied together their families, fellow veterans, and veterans' advocates, to organize a demonstration at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC over the Memorial Day weekend. They announced their arrival with the roar of their Harley-Davidson's, a sound similar to the the 1965 massive B-52 bombing campaign against North Vietnam named 'Operation Rolling Thunder'. Approximately 2,500 motorcycles participated in that rally, demanding that the U.S. government account for all POW & MIA's.

The group then became known as Rolling Thunder, and each year up until 2019, has held an annual "Ride for Freedom" to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It was estimated that nearly 1.2 million motorcycles participated in the final Washington, D.C. Ride For Freedom XXXII in 2019.

Rolling Thunder® today:

Rolling Thunder was incorporated as a class 501 (C)(4) non-profit organization and today has nearly 90 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. The group is actively involved year-round in promoting legislation to increase veteran benefits and resolve the POW*MIA issue from all wars. They also provide financial support, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans, veterans' families, veterans groups, and women's' crisis centers.

meetings:

We meet on the 4th Sunday of each month (except May) at the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952 at 2:00 P.M. The public is invited to attend our General Membership Meetings, and if you are interested in what we do, please consider joining us at a meeting.

Veterans Memorial Center, museum, and park.

Community:

All of the events we organize and attend are made possible by the efforts of our volunteer members. We are not a motorcycle club, or a veterans fraternity, and you do not need a motorcycle to become a member. Our membership is balanced between men and women, motorcycle riders and non-motorcycle riders, veterans and non-veterans. All of us have a common goal - bring our missing home, and care for those veterans that need help.

the cause:

In order to be successful in our cause though, we need the support of the community. Please take a moment to make a donation. You can use the DONATE button below, or scan the QR Code. The funds we collect are used to promote the POW*MIA cause, for veterans and their families, and programs in our community. So far we've presented hundreds of POW*MIA flags to local governments, businesses, Home Owner Associations, Brevard County public schools, parks, and other organizations throughout Brevard County, Florida.

If you would like us to present a POW*MIA flag to your business or organization, please click on the 'Contact" tab and let us know. There is no cost for the flag or our service in presenting it.

disclosure:

Rolling Thunder® Inc. Florida Chapter 1 is a not-for-profit advocacy organization, charted under IRS code 501(c)(3). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. The registration number issued by Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Service is CH40989 . The toll free number is (800) 435-7352, and their website is http://www.800helpfla.com.