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.
Chambers’ commitment to the cause moves many people, and they express their gratitude 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.
Chambers became known as The Saluting Marine in 2002 when he “popped” into the middle of the road, greeting veterans at the parade. “I just jumped out there as the parade was happening and popped up a salute. Then I started thinking, ‘Can I make it to the end? If I fall out will I look like a complete idiot?’” Chambers said of his first time holding a demanding hours-long salute at the event.
The veteran, who joined the Marines in 1994, says, “I just got caught up in the moment.”
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.
“I do this for the pain,” he explained. “It’s all about the pain. A lot of these guys still hurt and if I can relieve their pain through mine just for one brief moment, then 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.
Each time Chambers responded, “No, it was my pleasure. Thank you.”
A youngster fell to his knees in front of Chambers one year after stepping on the median.
Sharing a photo of the moment on Facebook, the saluting soldier writes, “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.”
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 its initial upload to YouTube, the video has received 6.2 million views, winning her many admirers for her patriotism.
“That woman made me so proud to be an American because I lost two brothers to the war,” writes one online user. A second shares, “She made me cry; I’m so proud to be an American. God bless all our fallen warriors, and God bless America.”
A retired infantry sniper writes, “It was pretty damn heartwarming to see that woman get off of her bike to return salute. And even more so to know that the civilians watching were in admiration,” the comment continues. “So, to all of you who have proudly served, I salute you. And to those of you who haven’t served but respect those of us who have, know that we stand in front of you—where we can best defend what’s dear.”
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