Freedom Rally ’07
Today marks the 21st anniversary of America’s longest and oldest continuous weekly POW/MIA vigil, held every Thursday night at New Hampshire’s official memorial at Meredith’s Hesky Park. Additionally, this day marks the 16th anniversary of the Freedom Ride. Started in 1994 by a local motorcycle club, the ride is held in conjunction with the POW/MIA Vigil as a way of bringing both attention and participation to the issue. It was modeled after “Rolling Thunder” which takes place every Memorial Day in Washington D.C.
The Freedom Ride is held every summer during Laconia Motorcycle Rally and Race Week. Bikers gather for the 11 mile journey that winds its way along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The trip ends at Hesky Park in Meredith culminating in a special Thursday night Vigil. According to its organizers, the sole purpose of the ride is to “keep the promise.”
This year’s event will feature Carolyn Maupin, the Mother of former POW/MIA Sgt Matt Maupin.
Those who plan on participating in this year’s ride by motorcycle should arrive at the Gilford Lowe’s parking lot by 6:00 pm tonight (Thursday June 18). The lineup will start at 6:15, with the police escort-led departure for Meredith at 6:30. Of course, the event is not just for those who ride bikes. Others are encouraged to travel via 106 North into Meredith, where there is plenty of parking. Just make sure you’re there in time to get in ahead of the motorcycles, as it will be a sight to behold when they arrive. The vigil itself starts, as it always does, at 7:00 pm sharp. New for this year is a boat flotilla which will leave Fay’s Marina in Gilford at 6:00PM.
