To thank the thousands of soldiers riding motorcycles at the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder event in 2002, Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers marched into the middle of the road and “popped up a salute.”
Since then, the man, who is now known as “The Saluting Marine,” has become a big draw at the annual march in Washington, DC, where he does a painful, hours-long salute to honor troops who have died.
A lot of people are touched by Chambers’ commitment to the service, and they show their thanks by hugging, crying, or saluting him. People all over the world were touched by what a female soldier did in 2012 when she pulled over next to the Marine and stopped her blue Sportster.
Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers used his right hand to make a hard salute that matched the exact shape of his face. He then slammed his heels together and lined his fist with the seam of his pants.
As the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder parade went by outside the Pentagon, Obama saluted hundreds of soldiers riding motorcycles. The parade went on for up to five hours.
The name “The Saluting Marine” was given to Chambers after he “popped” into the middle of the road to meet soldiers at the parade in 2002. I just jumped out and saluted while the show was going on. Then I began to worry about whether I would make it. What will people think of me if I fall out?Chambers talked about his first time leading a strict, multi-hour salute at the event.
The soldier, who joined the Marines in 1994, says, “I just got caught up in the moment.”
Rolling Thunder is an event that brings together thousands of military motorcycle riders from all over the United States every year. It was started in 1988 to bring attention to people who have been missing in action (MIA) or are prisoners of war (POWs). Chambers’ hard work and respect for soldiers will be remembered for a long time, even though the show ended in 2019.
He didn’t give up, even though it was hot or his back hurt. He stayed strong until it was over. He even kept his salute one year even though he had broken his wrist and wouldn’t put it in a cast until he was done with his job.
Some soldiers who were clearly upset came to Chambers with water and aspirin to help.
“I do this for the pain,” he said to make it clear. “The pain is the main thing.” After all this time, many of these guys are still in pain. If I can ease their pain for just a little while, I’ll have done my job.
Hundreds of tearful veterans stop along the parade path to thank him for his service. They find his dedication and self-control so admirable. There are people who kneel and people who hug or salute him.
When asked, Chambers would always say, “No, it was my pleasure.” Thanks.
A kid who had stepped on the middle fell to his knees in front of Chambers a year ago.
The soldier who is saluting says on Facebook, “Prayers are private. He had the courage to walk out in front of millions of people to practice his own faith. I had to encourage his courage and kneel down with him.” The soldier also posts a picture of the event.
Also, in 2012, a female soldier who was not named stopped her baby blue Harley Davidson Sportster in front of the battlefield cross monument, which was made up of combat boots, a rifle, and a helmet.
After saluting Chambers and the soldiers who died, she put a red rose by the memorial, which made the crowd go wild.
The video has been watched by 6.2 million people since it was first posted on YouTube. Her loyalty has won her many fans.
“That woman made me so proud to be an American,” says one person on the internet. “I lost two brothers in the war.” “She made me cry, and I’m so proud to be an American,” says a third. God bless America and all the soldiers who died for us.
“It warmed my heart to see that woman get off her bike to return the salute,” says a former infantry sniper. The statement goes on to say, “I salute all of you who have proudly served, and it makes me proud to know that the civilians who watched were in awe.” Have respect for those of us who have served, even if you haven’t. Know that we are here to protect what’s important to you.
Please tell your friends about this story and let us know what you think of the moving movie. This will help us show our troops the respect they deserve.
