What its About: Memorial Day, a National Holiday, usually held on May 30th each year; always on Monday. A day set aside to honor the hundreds of thousand of Veterans from all branches of service and all walks of life, who fought and died, to keep America Free, and to honor those that fought and survived! "Freedom is not Free."

How it began: In 1998, a former Army Staff Sergeant, Gary Lemonds traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet up with several men whom he had served with in a Ranger Company in Vietnam; a trip he had made several times since 1992 to meet at the giant black marble wall to honor the 58,479 men and women that died for their country and some 2000 missing in action in the Republic of Vietnam. This was to be a special day. He vowed that someday, he would ride with the 100,000 plus veterans, in the Rolling Thunder parade, down Constitution Avenue and past the White House. That day had come. Accompanied by his two Daughters, a Granddaughter, and one Harley Davidson Motor Cycle. It was a day he would never forget. Leaving Arlington, Virginia, and crossing the Great Memorial Bridge into Washington, a feeling came over him like he had died and gone to heaven. Standing on the bridge, were two of his best friends, which he had fought with in Vietnam, and his two Daughters and Granddaughter. He made a promise that day. He would come back to Georgia and organize a parade, similar to Rolling Thunder, to honor the thousands of Georgia Veterans that would never have the opportunity to travel to Washington. With much work, and some help, it was done, The first "Ride for America Parade," A.K.A. [Thunder in the Country], was held on Memorial Day in 1999.

While on a trip to Myrtle Beach Bike week, May 1998, he met a fellow Vietnam Veteran, and Harley Rider, Stan Mauldin. They discussed plans for a motorcycle ride honoring Veterans. That was the beginning of a great friendship that had grown and lasted through the years. We are now looking forward to the 13th Annual Ride For America Parade on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. With good weather, we are expecting over 1000 Motor Cycles. God Bless America!

Gary is looking down, every Memorial Day, on the Ride for America Parade, with pride. Gary passed away in January 2009.

My name is Stan Mauldin, and I am honored to be associated with the "Ride for America Parade". I can write this article because of the men and women who have, and are now, serving this great country. Our freedom comes at a great price -- but I am proud to say that I have done my part in preserving this country, so that our children can enjoy what we have and that my friends will know FREEDOM. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. I'm a Vietnam Veteran (Army 1968-1969). I received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star and I am very proud of these awards. Not boastful; just very humble and glad that I could do my small part in preserving our freedom. I am a family man. I've been married for over 20 years and have two lovely daughters, Kimberly Clark and Laura Pate. I also have two great son-in-laws, one who is currently serving in the Army National Guard. Gary and I became good friends because of this ride. We shared a common goal, and that goal is to thank and remember all of our heroes who are, and have been, a member of the Armed Services. I have personally been involved with charity motorcycle rides and bike shows. I have helped raise money for American Diabetes, Juvenile Diabetes, and the March for Dimes, along with Care for Cops and The American Legion. The rides and bike shows are a great way to raise funds to help those in need. It is something I enjoy. I have met a lot of great people along the way. So please, come out and support our "VETERANS”, and their Families, on Memorial Day.

Note: Gary L. Lemonds, a highly decorated combat soldier, with the 75th. Ranger Regiment in Vietnam was nominated for and inducted into the "Ranger Hall of Fame", August 25th, 1994, at a ceremony in Ft. Benning, Ga.