One of the most high profile motorcycle rides will take place this weekend in Washington D.C. to honor a cause nearest most riders’ hearts as Rolling Thunder pays tribute and remembers America’s military.

With over 500,000 motorcycles and approximately 900,000 people attending the Memorial Weekend event last year, it closes many surrounding roads to the nation’s capitol as well as capturing the country’s attention.

Starting with 2,500 men and women in 1987, the Rolling Thunder organization and annual event traces its roots to the hard work of Ray Manzo a former United States Marine Corps Corporal, Army Sergeant Major John Holland (Ret.), Marine First Sergeant Walt Sides (Ret.) and former Army Sergeant Artie Muller.

The non-profit organization which was created to bring attention to  American soldiers who are prisoners of war as well as missing in action has also taken on Veteran’s issues and showing support for current members of the military.

Riders come from all over the country to take part in the event, some part of other organized rides that make their way from coast to coast, others take the journey to Washington individually. For some particpants, honoring America's military becomes a personal journey through their own service and time in battle. 

Ironically, although Rolling Thunder is often referred to as a motorcycle group, owning one isn’t a requirement of membership.

But just as freedom comes at a cost, honoring the America’s military has its own challenges. The organized ride will take motorcycle enthusiasts from the Pentagon across Washington D.C.’s Memorial Bridge, to the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial on Sunday. This route will cause traffic delays and several road closures as several events will take riders through the District, Maryland and northern Virginia.

"It really brings tears to your eyes that so many people care about those we left behind, about our troops that are fighting for the ways of life we enjoy here every day, and those who gave their lives for this country," Artie Muller, the group's national executive director told MyCentralJersey.com in a recent interview.