Indiana riders plan special tribute on way to Rolling Thunder

American Legion Riders and members of the Indiana Rolling Thunder Chapter will conduct a special ceremony in downtown Indianapolis before departing May 26 for the 29th annual ride into the nation's capital.

The riders will dedicate a POW-MIA chair of honor at the Indiana War Memorial, 431 N. Meridian St., during the ceremony which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The ceremony will include presentation of the colors by the Jennings County High School Color Guard, presentation of the Missing Man Table ceremony and a balloon released for the 50 Indiana troops who are still listed as unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Guest speakers include Indiana State Rep. Jim Baird, a decorated Vietnam veteran; Joe Kernan, former Indiana governor and a Vietnam War POW; and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Stewart Goodwin, executive director of the Indiana War Memorials Commission.

After the ceremony, the riders will depart for Washington, D.C., for the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom to raise awareness about the 83,000 POWs and MIAs and other veterans issues, such as PTSD and VA health care.