3 Reasons Arlington is an Ideal Destination for Military Groups and Reunions
There’s no better place to honor the service and legacy of veterans than the historic U.S. capital region.
Rolling to Remember Memorial Day Bike Rally 2025
A high-profile motorcycle rally in the streets of D.C., Rolling to Remember spotlights U.S. POWs and MIAs, as well as the mental health and wellbeing of veterans.
The massive motorcycle rally, Rolling to Remember, brings the force and fury of countless motorcyclists to the nation’s capital over Memorial Day Weekend. Their mission: to raise awareness of the plight of U.S. prisoners of war and the 82,000 service members still missing in action. Since 1988, hundreds of thousands of riders have rolled into Washington, D.C., in an iconic display of support for the nation’s POWs and MIAs.
Organized by AMVETS (the nation’s most inclusive Congressionally chartered veterans service organization, representing 20 million veterans), the event also spotlights the national suicide epidemic that takes the lives of 22 veterans each day.
Blessing of the Bikes
Kicking off the weekend on Friday is a Blessing of the Bikes at the Washington National Cathedral in D.C., followed by a nighttime Candlelight Vigil at the Wall of the Vietnam War Memorial, dramatically lit by thousands of free glowsticks.
Day of Prevention
Saturday’s Day of Prevention starts with a 2.2-mile morning run/walk from RFK Stadium to highlight the role of physical wellness as a key to mental health. The stadium serves as the staging ground for Saturday and Sunday programs, broken into symbolic 22-minute segments. They feature notable speakers, Gold Star families, mission-focused musical performances (often fronted by veterans) and other programs around mental wellness and suicide prevention.
Demonstration Ride
The culminating Demonstration Ride begins at noon on Sunday at the Pentagon in Arlington, following a motorcycle drill team performance, live music, special presentations and more high-profile speakers. After getting inspired, the riders solemnly follow a route from Arlington through the streets of D.C., including major arteries such as Constitution, Independence and Pennsylvania Avenues.
Unlike more festive events, the entire weekend serves as a serious demonstration to bring awareness and accountability for POWs and MIAs left behind and for suicide prevention.
More About Rolling to Remember
RELATED STORIES
Spend a Day Exploring Arlington, VA’s Military Sights
Arlington has an unmistakable connection to the U.S. military. Not only is it home to Arlington National Cemetery and many…
Support Arlington’s Veteran-Owned Businesses
Arlington is best known as the home of Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and several other famous military memorials and…
More Annual Events
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The iconic National Cherry Blossom Festival turns D.C. pretty in pink each year, as it offers visitors a lineup of fun flower-themed events. Experience a…
Pride Month Celebrations
Honor the DC region’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community with concerts, parties, parades, food and dancing during the Pride Month.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic
The capital region’s premier biking event, the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic draws professionals and amateurs for a spirited racing faceoff.
Memorial Day
Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Arlington and D.C. where the area’s many military memorials form a dramatic, symbolic backdrop.
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Groove to the music of the largest blues festival in the DC metro area with national headliners, great food, unique vendors and family fun.
4th of July
Celebrate the birth of the USA in the nation's capital, an the best place to be on July 4th!
Arlington County Fair
Food and fun draw thousands to the annual Arlington County Fair, one of the largest free events on the East Coast.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
Groove to the smooth sounds of jazz at the annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest, a popular community event full of food, music and fun.
Marine Corps Marathon
One of the world’s largest marathons and the only one without prize money, the Marine Corps Marathon draws runners and spectators alike.
Veterans Day
No place is more meaningful to honor our nation’s vets on Veterans Day than at the many military memorials in Arlington and Washington, DC.