American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM) love the sound of thunder as hundreds of thousands of motorcycles leave the Pentagon parking lot in a peaceful and solemn Ride For Freedom each Sunday before Memorial Day.
AGSM and Rolling Thunder, Inc., have had a long relationship of respect, admiration, and genuine love for each other’s organizations. As Gold Star Mothers, we respect the mission of Rolling Thunder, Inc. — accountability of the missing and prisoners of war from all U.S. conflicts.
AGSM was founded in 1928 as an organization of mothers who lost a son or daughter in active service to our country — who died as a result of such service or became missing in action. The Rolling Thunder, Inc., mission represents part of our eligibility criteria.
Many Rolling Thunder, Inc., members knew and served with our fallen sons and daughters. It is always comforting to listen them reflect on service and sacrifice of their brothers and sisters in arms … their comrades … their battle buddies.
Congratulations Rolling Thunder, Inc., on 30 years of peaceful demonstration to remember those who did not come home — 30 years of trying to make a difference for a family waiting for answers. Nothing is more comforting to hear a greeting from a Rolling Thunder, Inc., member, quietly welcoming us with, “Hi Mom!”
• Candy Martin is the national president of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. She is a combat veteran, having served in Iraq from 2005-2006. She retired in 2013 from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer Five.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.