American Legion Run to the Thunder: Day 1

American Legion Riders from across the country gather at Post 177 in Fairfax, Va. for The American Legion Run to the Thunder weekend. The 3-day schedule will culminate with hundreds of American Legion riders joining thousands of other bikers for the last Rolling Thunder Demonstration Ride in Washington, D.C.
Riders kicked off the weekend by hanging flags and banners on an I-66 overpass to welcome other riders into the area. Photos by Schelly Stone
Riders kicked off the weekend by hanging flags and banners on an I-66 overpass to welcome other riders into the area. Photos by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders wait to wave and welcome groups of other riders arriving in the Washington, D.C. area for Rolling Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders wait to wave and welcome groups of other riders arriving in the Washington, D.C. area for Rolling Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
Riders kicked off the weekend by hanging flags and banners on an I-66 overpass to welcome other riders into the area. Photos by Schelly Stone
Riders kicked off the weekend by hanging flags and banners on an I-66 overpass to welcome other riders into the area. Photos by Schelly Stone
Riders kicked off the weekend by hanging flags and banners on an I-66 overpass to welcome other riders into the area. Photos by Schelly Stone
Riders kicked off the weekend by hanging flags and banners on an I-66 overpass to welcome other riders into the area. Photos by Schelly Stone
Riders arrive at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va. for American Legion Run to the Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
Riders arrive at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va. for American Legion Run to the Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
Riders arrive at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va. for American Legion Run to the Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
Riders arrive at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va. for American Legion Run to the Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
Riders lay wreaths at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. during a Candlelight Vigil to kick off The American Legion Run to the Thunder weekend. Photos by Schelly Stone
Riders lay wreaths at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. during a Candlelight Vigil to kick off The American Legion Run to the Thunder weekend. Photos by Schelly Stone
Riders arrive at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va. for American Legion Run to the Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
Riders arrive at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Va. for American Legion Run to the Thunder events. Photo by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders join Gold Star family members for a Candlelight Vigil at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders join Gold Star family members for a Candlelight Vigil at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders join Gold Star family members for a Candlelight Vigil at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders join Gold Star family members for a Candlelight Vigil at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders join Gold Star family members for a Candlelight Vigil at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo by Schelly Stone
American Legion Riders join Gold Star family members for a Candlelight Vigil at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo by Schelly Stone