We have been pretty much involved in at least some small way each year since 1998. We have ridden into the city from lots of places, but the trip from Dumfries is our personal favorite. It is about 30 miles, police escorted the whole way, safe up the HOV lanes. People line the roads and the overpasses. People who have served, who are serving, have loved ones who have or are serving. The support of this event the motorcyclists offer is very much appreciated and the love is so evident. You see wheel chair bound veterans, ones on crutches, some wearing their uniforms as best they can, they salute you, wave at you, send kisses, and thank yous. They wave flags, hang flags off the overpasses, they wear flag clothes, they will make your heart break. Then if you are brave enough to go to the staging area, you will be with 400,000 of your best motorcycle friends. You can scan your HOG card for a pin, if that is your thing. If you drive straight into the district you will be sucked up into a couple thousand other of your best motorcycle friends. There is a small vendor area. There is the memorials. There is a lot of people. It will make you so proud that 1. You are an American 2. That you can rally for your beliefs and 3. That you are there on your Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Sorry, did not want to make it sound like I did not approve. Just don't want anyone to think it is anything but political.