Rolling Thunder Ohio has been cancelled this year. Our inaugural ride will take place next year on Sunday, May 30, 2021. In making this decision, our national leadership had to confront the stark reality of our current situation while still holding onto hope and optimism for the future success of Rolling Thunder. This line of thinking is called The Stockdale Paradox, named after Admiral James Stockdale, a former POW and the most senior naval officer in Hanoi, North Vietnam. He was held captive for seven years under the most dire of circumstances, and by all accounts he came out of prison camp even stronger than when he went in. Tortured endlessly with no reason to believe he’d survive, he worked tirelessly for his fellow prisoners by embracing the seriousness of the situation while maintaining a healthy dose of optimism. Stockdale explained it best when he said, “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

Our current reality is coronavirus, but it won’t be forever. It is only temporary. It is not a matter of IF we will begin to resume our daily lives again, it is a matter of WHEN and HOW. We will overcome the obstacles ahead and be in an even better place next year in order to continue the 32 year tradition of Rolling Thunder. We are thrilled that so many of you want to join us right here in the heart of it all: Columbus, Ohio. We’ve reached two million bikers and engaged with 500,000+ in the past couple months alone. We are a community now. And while our ride has been postponed, the needs of our Veterans have not. We can do so much good together in the years to come. Thanks to each and every one of you! Your commitment to this mission is steadfast. Stay safe. And stay tuned! WE have only just begun!

We will never forget these times. Just as we pledged decades ago to NEVER FORGET those who gave their last full measure in service to our great country.

Bob Althoff
Rolling Thunder®, Inc., Chapter 5 OH

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