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nationwide ride for freedom xxxvi

Rolling Thunder®, Inc.
“Ride for Freedom” History

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The Rolling Thunder, Inc. Nationwide Ride
For Freedom is a demonstration intended
to honor veterans and troops killed in
action, to bring awareness to the public of
the more than 81,000 POW/MIA still
unaccounted for and to influence the
United States government to find service
members who are still missing. 

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We seek accountability and the return of
living POW’s and when that is not possible,
the repatriation of their remains.  
The first demonstration ride began in Washington, DC in 1988 when their arrival would be announced by the roar of the 2,500 motorcycles,  a sound not unlike the 1965 bombing campaign against North Vietnam dubbed “Operation Rolling Thunder”.  Hence the name “Rolling Thunder” a title that has endured time.   The demonstration ride continued and in 2019 there were 1.5 million motorcycles.

 

 In 2020, a strategic decision was made to move the Annual Memorial Day Demonstration Event NATIONWIDE.  Having the demonstration nationwide will promote awareness, enhance our ability to have more media coverage and build stronger relations at the community level.  

Event details

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location:  MIDFLORIDA Events Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St Lucie, Florida  34952

Dates:  

Friday, May 24, 2024 
Gold Star Families Candlelight Vigil and Dinner

     6:30 PM - Dinner - MIDFLORIDA Events Center
     8:30 PM / 9:00 PM - Candlelight Vigil at Port St Lucie Veterans Park
                                       2100 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Port St Lucie   (Open to Public)

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Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thunder Alley, Food Trucks, Vendors, Car/Bike Show, Displays
Live Music by Shovelhed (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) & Preacher Stone (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

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Sunday, May 26, 2024 
Rolling Thunder®, Inc. NATIONWIDE Ride For Freedom XXXVI - Florida State

     9:00 - 11:00 AM Registration & Staging at MIDFLORIDA Events Center

     11:15 AM - Safety Briefing

     11:30 AM - Departure (KSU) - Ride Route Map
(Ending at Treasure Coast Harley Davidson in Stuart for after-ride celebration from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

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Directions to midflorida events center: 

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The MIDFLORIDA Event Center is located just 5 miles from Florida’s Turnpike and 10 miles from Interstate 95.

  •  Florida’s Turnpike Mainline begins from I-75 approximately 60 miles northwest of Orlando and continues southwest through Port St. Lucie. From Port St. Lucie, the turnpike continues south to Miami.

  •  Interstate 95 follows Florida’s east coast from Miami to Jacksonville and continues north through Georgia.

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DIRECTIONS TO THE MIDFLORIDA EVENT CENTER

  • From I-95 South: Take Exit 120 – Crosstown Parkway East > Turn Right onto US1 > Turn Left onto Walton Road > Turn Right onto Civic Center Place. The MIDFLORIDA Event Center will be on your left. • From I-95 North: Take Exit 120 – Crosstown Parkway East > Turn Right onto US1 > Turn Left onto Walton Road > Turn Right onto Civic Center Place. The MIDFLORIDA Event Center will be on your left. 

  • From Florida’s Turnpike: Take Exit 142- Bayshore Boulevard > Turn Right on SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard > Turn Left onto Veterans Memorial Parkway > Cross US1 > Turn Right onto Civic Event Center Place. The MIDFLORIDA Event Center will be on your left.  

 

 

Hotel accomodations: 

 

Please make your reservations as soon as possible.  Rooms have been blocked at the following hotels.    Rooms will be available on a first come first serve basis and the rate will be available until April 24, 2024 or until all blocked rooms are reserved.

 

Holiday Inn - Port St Lucie   (Approximately 5 minutes away from MidFlorida Events Center.  Prices available until May 11, 2024)

  • Address:  10120 S Federal Hwy, (US1), Port St. Lucie, FL  34952 

  • Standard Room Double Bed $90 and Mini Suites $90 plus taxes

  • Amenities:  Continental breakfast, high speed wi-fi, and parking

  • Book your room:  866.902.6995 (Use booking code:  RTC)
     

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Port St Lucie West  (Approximately 20 minutes away from MidFlorida Event Center)

Residence Inn - Port St Lucie (Approximately 20 minutes away from MidFlorida Event Center)

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KOA - RV Locations - Fort Pierce West KOA Holiday

  • ​Address:  3180 S Jenkins Road Fort Pierce

  • Cost:  $89.00 a night

  • For Reservations call:  772-812-7200

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RIDE REGISTRATION

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