Rolling Thunder keeps the memory alive on Veterans Day
ROCK SPRING, Ga. (WDEF) – As we celebrate Veterans Day, one group of riders continues to ensure that those who never made it home are never forgotten.
News 12 spoke with three members of the organization Rolling Thunder, a group of riders and supporters who honor veterans year-round, with a special focus on prisoners of war and those still missing in action.
John Short, a member of Rolling Thunder, reflected with emotion.
“My thoughts over the years are of all the young men I’ve seen, and how many never came home.”
Across the country, thousands of service members are still listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action.
Andy Gideon, also a member of Rolling Thunder, said their mission is about remembrance and awareness.
“They were real people who served, and what we try to say is, hey, this can happen. That’s why we’re here to say, we’re trying to find them all.”
For Rolling Thunder, every ride and every event carries meaning.
Their mission is simple but profound, to make sure those names are never forgotten.
Olive Short, another member, shared how the organization’s dedication reaches all the way to the nation’s capital.
“We go to Washington every year for our national convention, and a few years ago, Rolling Thunder was able to get the POW flag flown beneath the American flag at the White House. We are very proud of that.”
Each year at the Veterans’ Appreciation Banquet, Rolling Thunder sets up a Missing Man’s Table, a powerful symbol representing the soldiers who never returned home.
Each empty chair stands as a reminder of the true cost of freedom.
John Short, holding back tears, said the ceremony always hits close to the heart.
“We host this inside and outside. One time, someone asked me why I wear sunglasses, it’s to hide the tears. We get emotional.”
Gideon added that every display serves a deeper purpose.
“When we put that table out, it brings attention to those still unaccounted for. It keeps it in the forefront, not just for veterans, but for the public and lawmakers, too. We can’t forget that there are still heroes who haven’t come home.”
For Rolling Thunder, the mission is personal, and it won’t end until every missing hero is accounted for.
Video Courtesy of Frank Pate Photography
