At the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder event in 2002, Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers thanked the thousands of veterans riding motorcycles by marching into the center of the road and “popping up a salute.”
Since then, the man—known as “The Saluting Marine”—has become a major draw at the yearly march in Washington, DC, where he honors fallen soldiers with a torturous, hours-long salute.
Many individuals are moved by Chambers’ dedication to the service and show their appreciation by giving him hugs, tears, or salutes. Millions of people across the world were moved by what a female soldier did after stopping her blue Sportster next to the Saluting Marine in 2012.
Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers snapped his right hand into a hard salute that precisely matched his brow, slammed his heels together, and lined his fist with the seam of his trousers.
During the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder parade outside the Pentagon, Obama saluted hundreds of veterans as they passed on motorbikes for up to five hours.
When Chambers “popped” into the middle of the road to meet veterans at the parade in 2002, he earned the nickname “The Saluting Marine.” As the parade was taking place, I simply leaped out and saluted. Then I began to wonder if I would survive. Will I appear like a total moron if I fall out?At the ceremony, Chambers spoke about his first experience leading a rigorous, multi-hour salute.
“I just got caught up in the moment,” the veteran, who enlisted in the Marines in 1994, continues.
Founded in 1988 to increase awareness of missing in action (MIA) and prisoners of war (POWs), Rolling Thunder draws thousands of veteran motorcycle riders from all around the United States. Sadly, it came to an end in 2019, but Chambers’ dedication and respect for veterans made a lasting impression on everyone.
And he held his ground until it was over, refusing to give in to the heat or a medical issue in his back. He even kept his salute one year despite having a fractured wrist, which he refused to cast until he had completed his assignment.
Some veterans, obviously distressed, came to Chambers with water and Aspirin to provide assistance.
He clarified, “I do this for the pain.” “The pain is the main focus. Many of these guys are still in pain, so if I can ease their suffering even for a short while, I’ve done my job.
His dedication and self-control are so admirable that hundreds of tearful veterans pause along the parade route to express their gratitude. Some kneel, while others give him hugs or salutes.
Chambers would always reply, “No, it was my pleasure.” Thank you.
A young youngster fell to his knees in front of Chambers one year after stepping on the median.
“Prayers are private he displayed the courage to walk out in front of millions to practice his own faith I had to reinforce his courage and kneel down with him (sic)” the saluting soldier says on Facebook, sharing a snapshot of the occasion.
Additionally, in 2012, an unnamed female soldier pulled over in front of the battlefield cross memorial, which was composed of combat boots, a rifle, and a helmet, on her baby blue Harley Davidson Sportster.
The crowd erupted in enthusiasm when she laid a red rose by the memorial after saluting Chambers and the fallen troops.
Since it was initially uploaded to YouTube, the video has been viewed by 6.2 million people, winning many admirers for her patriotism.
One internet user comments, “I lost two brothers to the war, and that woman made me so proud to be an American.” A second says, “I’m so proud to be an American, and she made me cry.” God bless America and all of our fallen heroes.
“Seeing that woman get off her bike to return salute was pretty damned heart-warming,” recalls a retired infantry sniper. The statement goes on, “I salute all of you who have proudly served, and even more so to know that the civilians watching were in admiration.” And to those of you who have not served but show respect to those of us who have, know that we are here to defend what is most important to you.
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