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FLAME OF FREEDOM
Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Flame of Freedom
The Flame of Freedom has one purpose and that is to be the symbol
of hope lighting the way home for America’s silent heroes, prisoners of
war/missing in action. Rolling Thunder’s Flame of Freedom is one of two premier
symbols of the movement to convince our government to allow the return of
American POW’s from Southeast Asia, Russia, China, Middle-East and anywhere
around the world they remain. It supports educating the public and motivating
public action on the issue through awareness. The Flame is the personification
of the effort to bring our missing home. Rolling Thunder keeps the POW issue
alive and so fuels the light of the Flames illuminating darkness. Rolling
Thunder and the Flame are the life blood of the cry for rescue from our brothers
left behind in the fight for freedom. This Flame is a focal symbol to elevate
the level of public awareness for their plight.
Rolling Thunder Chapters are encouraged to coordinate the use of
the Flame of Freedom in public ceremonies to educate the public about the plight
of our POW’s in conjunction with Missing Man Ceremonies. The Flame is also the
beacon to bring home those currently serving on foreign soil in harm’s way. It
is desired that the flame will have continuous and consistent use around the
country.
The Flame has two priority events when use of the flame is
reserved. The first is the Candlelight Vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on
Friday evening before the demonstration ride held on Memorial Weekend. The Flame
is used to escort Gold Star families as they walk along the monument during this
solemn remembrance of their loss. The second is The Ride Home held during the
POW recognition ceremony, in Andersonville, Georgia in September of each year.
The Flame of Freedom is available for Chapter use at all other times during the
year.
The Flame of Freedom is not a motorcycle ride or a single event.
It is not carried by one member but all whose mission is to remind the country
we will not forget. It is an icon of the quest to bring home those still held
in captivity. It is also the symbol of our country’s commitment to account for
the missing. How the Flame is transported to ceremonies is not important. What
it does to represent the mission of Rolling Thunder is the message.
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will The Flame be used to solicit money
for any purpose.
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