There’s an annual event in Washington, DC called Rolling Thunder Sunday in which thousands of vets ride their motorcycles to the Vietnam Memorial. It’s an incredible display of patriotism and comradeship — the kind of thing you’d expect from guys who were willing to risk their lives for the rest of us.
For the last few years, one Marine in full dress uniform has stood at attention in the middle of the street holding a continuous, unbroken salute for every biker in the procession. His remarkable exhibition of strength and dedication lasts more than four hours.
Back in 2002 retired Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers decided he wanted to do something to show all the other vets how much he cared, so he spontaneously stepped into the road to salute to the riders. That first salute has now become an annual event.
Why the salute? “It’s about the pain,” Tim said. “A lot of these heroic guys still hurt and if I can relieve their pain for just one brief moment, then I’ve done my job.”
This year’s salute was more painful than usual. Watch the video. Be amazed. Be proud. And be grateful that there are guys like Tim Chambers who are willing and able to do the things they do.
Semper fi, Sergeant Chambers.
