Rolling Thunder underway this weekend

Hundreds of American Legion Riders are on their way to Washington, D.C., for this weekend’s Rolling Thunder Ride to Freedom. And once again, American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va., will be the center of several activities for American Legion Riders taking part in the annual event.

Legion Riders from all over the nation will gather at Post 177, 3939 Oak St., beginning Friday. From there, they will take part in various rides that will culminate with the Run to the Thunder and the Ride of the Patriots at 6:30 a.m. May 29.

Highlights of the weekend include a ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for a candlelight vigil and a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery. Gold Star families will be honored during the weekend, which will feature group meals and live music.

The wreath-laying will take place at Arlington National Cemetery near Arlington House at the monument dedicated to the unknown soldiers who died in the Civil War. The Riders will place the wreath supported by the Old Guard Combined Armed Forces Color Guard

American Legion Emblem Sales and other vendors will be on hand throughout the weekend. For a complete schedule of events, click here. You can also get updates via the Run to the Thunder Facebook page.