Rolling Thunder
On August 6, Edgetech hosted more than 1,000 motorcyclists as they began their 40-mile journey from Cambridge to Dennison, Ohio, transporting the Travelling Vietnam Memorial Wall to its next destination. Edgetech’s facility and maintenance manager Doug Ford helped to organise the bike run titled ‘Rolling Thunder’, which attracted motorcyclists, veterans, local supporters and media.
Ford served in the US Air Force for 25 years and is a Vietnam veteran, so the travelling wall held particular significance to him and fellow members of the Vietnam Veterans Association.
“Soldiers returning from Vietnam were not welcomed warmly, even though many died for our country,” Ford said. “As an organisation we vowed that ‘never again will another vet be forgotten.’ The travelling wall is a way to properly recognise the sacrifice that many have made, and not just in Vietnam. It is in honour of all veterans, past and present.”
The Travelling Vietnam Memorial Wall departed Edgetech in Cambridge at 2pm and it is estimated that the motorcycle convoy covered an eight-mile stretch of the highway on its way to Dennison. According to Ford, crowds gathered all along the path to take pictures and pay their respects.
“There are four travelling walls, and this is the second time one has passed through our area,” Ford said. “This one is a replica of about 60% of the wall in Washington DC. Unfortunately many veterans are unable to travel to the full wall, so this is another way for them to pay their respects for friends and relatives who died in Vietnam.”
Mike Hovan, president of Edgetech said: “We thank Doug for helping to organise this tremendous and patriotic celebration in honour of our current, veteran and fallen US soldiers. We were very proud to be a part of it.”
