About the project

Through portraits and quotes from participants, Why We Roll aims to document some of the hundreds of thousands of riders who participated in the 2014 edition of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride which took place Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C.

As the Rolling Thunder Run website puts it: 

"Rolling Thunder’s mission is to educate, facilitate, and never forget by means of a demonstration for service members that were abandoned after the Vietnam War. Rolling Thunder has also evolved into a display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country.

The Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run is an annual ride and gathering that first started in 1988. Riders from around the nation, and even around the world rally in the Pentagon parking lots and begin the run through the streets of Washington, D.C. Afterward, it is an opportunity to meet old and new friends, pay respect at the memorials and participate in the Memorial Day events."

Special thanks go to Patriot Harley-Davidson of Fairfax, VA for allowing me to photograph at their annual open house and Ride of the Patriots event, to the Fairfax Harley Owners Group, and most of all to the portrait subjects who graciously posed and shared their stories.