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.
This post was last modified on June 24, 2011
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What a super, wonderful thing for the Sgt Marine to do...more of us should be as willing to salute other Marines & military men/women.
I want to know how to send this man a letter. Please let me know. smgjbarks@yahoo.com
http://www.thesalutingmarine.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SSgt-Tim-Chambers/107358999354463
My name is Tracy. Thank you Sergeant Chambers for your service to our country. I am sending hugs your way. I am unable to salute because I have not served our country. I am doing what I can as well for the vets that have served. I have two former military personel in my house. It is my privelage and honor to do what I can to help them with their flash backs. Thank you, sir. Semper Fi.
Hi Tracy:
Same from the Army!
Celeritas en Conficiendo
Tracy, that is a very nice post.
As a former member of the Air Force, I can safely say that nobody would begrudge you the opportunity to salute any member of our military.
I was so touched by this photo and story, I wrote this poem in his honor.
I SALUTE THEE
Every year
At this time
I salute
These men of mine
As they roll
And thunder by
My right hand raised
To my eye
Does it hurt?
Is what they ask
In your honor
I accept this task
Thru the heat
The blazing sun
I stand here proud
For every last one
I cannot drop
My arm, My hand
I will not rest
I only stand
On iron horses
A steel cavalry
My eyes forward
I salute thee
http://www.sobnyc.wordpress.com
-Peace
AWESOME!!
I LOVE this Marine! I cry each and every time I watch one of these videos...I post them every time they show up. And, I hope to get to DC for Rolling Thunder one year soon to thank him in person! God bless SSgt Chambers!
You're a good person CeCe.
Now that is a true hero! Thank you to every Service member who has ever served, or will serve and those who are first responders. Semper Externus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
I am significantly impressed that two additional Marines stood with SSG Chambers in Rolling Thunder 2012. At first I thought they would relieve him as 3 - 4 hours is a very long time. When I realized that they joined him rather than relieve him, I was even more impressed. Marines are a very unique breed of soldier. As I have studied our country's Armed Forces, I haven't been able to figure out what Marines DON'T do. Thank you, SSG Chambers for honoring the men and women who lost their lives in the service of our country, especially the respect and honor you give to those of the Korean and Vietnam wars.
I didn't express myself completely ... SSG Chambers, you stand and salute those of Rolling Thunder to honor them as well. By watching the videos, it is very apparent how much gratitude they feel for you.
Great post Sheryl.
What a wonderful way to say thank you to our veterans. Thank you to SSGT Tim Chambers and all those who are serving and have served this wonderful country. We owe you more than we can ever say.
And a kiss on the cheek for the new lady on the block.
I stumbled across this news story by chance, and it brought me to tears. You guys really know how to salute and respect those that served your country, I wish were I lived (England) it was the same as opposed to one day a year. For what its worth I am grateful, at least of your great nations assistance during WW2. You saved us big time!
God bless America
From an English Policeman
English Patriot - it doesn't matter what country you live in. Any man or woman who has the courage to stand for something that is just, to help those who cannot help themselves; to protect those who are in danger and reach beyond their own self for the benefit of another... all of you deserve the utmost respect and gratitude. I would stand on the steps of England's most notable landmark to honor you and your fellow police officers for the same reason I would stand in Washington with SSG Chambers. When my son finishes his tour of duty in the US Army, he wants to be a police officer because he sees the need to help those who cannot help themselves. His love and compassion for others drives him to be the most he can be. May God bless you and protect you.
Thank You English Patriot.
You should be here when we have discussions about government run healthcare. It would be nice to get a European perspective.
20 years of service in the Australian Army, I too salute you - well done mate - stand proud!