LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) — The Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 1 members gathered on Memorial Day for a ride, donning their leathers and patches that symbolize their unwavering dedication to the nation’s veterans.

The heart of Monday’s mission was not just a motorcycle event but also a solemn tribute to the 81,000 American warfighters still unaccounted for in U.S. history.

With engines revving and camaraderie at an all-time high, more than 40 riders hit the open road in the morning in a powerful display of solidarity. Mike Clark, president of the motorcyclists’ group, said, “Rolling Thunder has been doing this ride for 37 years now.”

This year’s ride began at the Fort Harrison Veterans Center, 9450 E. 59th St., in Lawrence. The destination was the Harley-Davidson of Fort Wayne, where they participated in a heartfelt dedication ceremony that honored the sacrifices of Indiana soldiers from various wars.

“Indiana currently has over 1,500 missing,” Clark said.

Among those missing are 104 from World War I, 1,497 from World War II, 169 from Korea, and 50 from the Vietnam War. They’re all warriors whose contributions were recognized through the dedication of a bench at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum in Fort Wayne. Each participant committed to always being there for prisoners of war and veterans missing in action beyond Memorial Day.

Clark said, “Just like when they bring a service member home, you know they all will gather on the streets and they will honor the veteran and things like that.”

The bench, a simple yet touching tribute, was adorned with an engraving that reads as follows: “Dedicated to those who answered the call to duty and have yet to return to family and home. Those who are listed as among the Prisoners of War (POW) and those who are still Missing in Action (MIA). They are not forgotten.”

Clark said, “The main purpose of the ride is to bring awareness to our POWs and MIAs and to honor and respect the fallen.”