The 7th annual Rolling Thunder event is scheduled to roll through Northern Kentucky today beginning at 11 a.m. in Fort Thomas and concluding at 2 p.m. at The World Peace Bell in Newport.
The major purpose of Rolling Thunder is to publicize the POW-MIA issue: To educate the public about prisoners of war and veterans who went missing in action. The organization is also committed to helping American veterans from all wars.
According the Rolling Thunder Facebook page, the reason the event takes place during the school day and travels past several local schools is because the goal is to help educate the youth on the struggles that continue today for those who have not returned from wars both past and present.
The Schedule for the ride:
11 a.m. – Setup at U.S. Army Reserve Center in Ft. Thomas
Noon – Staging Begins
12:30 – Opening Ceremonies
1 p.m. – Kick Stands Up/Ride Begins
2 p.m. – Arrive World Peace Bell in Newport for Closing Ceremonies
Organizers said they welcome the public to join in the opening ceremony, ride in the memorial route, cheer along the memorial route, and/or meet at the closing ceremony at the Peace Bell in Newport.
The opening ceremonywill be held at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Fort Thomas. Army Veteran and president of the Ohio Chapter Nine Rolling Thunder, James Reilly will be speaking before the parade begins and at the closing ceremony at The World Peace Bell.
Anyone who is interested in cheering on the riders should head to one of the following areas along the parade route:
Ft. Thomas VA Hospital
Ft. Thomas YMCA
Woodfill School
Moyer School
Highlands School
Johnson School
St Catherine School
Clover Ridge to Memorial Pkwy, (R-on Wilson/R-on Bonnie Leslie/L-on Berry & L-on 6th Street, L-on Washington)
Newport’s Holy Trinity School on Washington Ave. (R-on 9th, R-on Monmouth, Past Newport Schools (route subject to change)
End at World Peace Bell
From City of Newport