22-05-2025
Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride gears up for final tribute
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A ride paying tribute to our country's fallen heroes is preparing for its final ride.
The 25th Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride will take place on May 25 at the Sevier County courthouse. Ron Giddis started the event after looking for a way to pay tribute to fallen military personnel for Memorial Day weekend.
'I couldn't find what I thought was 'it', so a friend of mine told me, 'Well, you know what to do about that.' So 25 years ago, we started one of our own that pays tribute to fallen military, particularly those killed in combat,' said Giddis.
The opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m., but people are welcome to come early for breakfast. The ceremony will include an appearance by a bald eagle, placing a wreath at the Veterans' Monument, and 'taps.' The ride begins at 11 a.m. and will go 65 miles to Grainger County for the closing ceremony.
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Once all the riders have reached the Veterans Overlook on Clinch Mountain, the closing ceremony will begin. Another wreath will be placed, and a 21-gun salute, followed by Taps, will conclude the event.
Throughout the years, thousands of people have joined in the event, and it is one of the largest motorcycle ride events in East Tennessee on Memorial Day Weekend. The organizers hope this year can be their biggest in honor of their final ride.
East Tennessee soldiers, sailors and Marines killed while on active duty with the United States military
Anyone is welcome to join this free event, and those who do not wish to ride are welcome to watch from the road. For more information, visit
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