"We can't forget our vets:" Group of motorcyclists hit the road for a reason



MILWAUKEE -- There was certainly no slowing their roll, as a group of motorcyclists hit the road for a reason on Thursday, May 26th -- riding to honor our nation's veterans this Memorial Day weekend.

More than 100 bikers gather near 37th and Wisconsin in Milwaukee for the annual "Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run."

"We do it to honor the veterans on the wall and to honor the POWs that never made it home," said Kenneth Pezewski, Rolling Thunder organizer.

The Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run is an annual ride and gathering that first started in 1988. And more than two decades ago, Pezewski started organizing the Milwaukee chapter's participation in the ride.

"It's a protest ride, to let everybody in Washington, D.C. know that there's still veterans out there missing in action and we want them brought home," said Pezewski.

In 2015, an estimated 800,000 bikers from throughout the world made the trip to show their patriotism and their respect for those who defend the United States of America.



"This has always been on my bucket list, and this is the year," said David Doepk, 84th Division Army Reserve veteran.

Doepk is a Vietnam Veteran from Brookfield.

"I'm looking forward to a lot of Harleys, and a chance to see Washington, D.C. from the ground," said Doepk.



Riders say they look forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new supporters of the cause.

"It's an important thing. We can't forget our vets. We need to show them all the recognition we can -- not just on Memorial Day, but all year long," said Don Geisler, Rolling Thunder rider.

The group from Milwaukee will stop in Ohio for the night. On Friday afternoon, they will make their way to Washington, D.C. ahead of a Saturday breakfast gathering.