The annual Rolling Thunder XXXVIII Nationwide Ride for Freedom will kick off Memorial Day weekend with a motorcycle ride from the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center to Erdman Automotive. The event runs from Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, and honors U.S. military personnel who are Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. The Kickstands Up ride begins at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, located at 400 South Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island, and heads to Erdman Automotive on I-95/S.R. 520 in Cocoa. The route starts at 9 a.m. Friday for Erdman’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony.
The event’s theme this year is “Continue the Mission,” emphasizing the ongoing effort to support veterans and their families. The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center’s amphitheater will serve as a gathering point for some activities. The Kickstands Up ride is the first of several events planned over the three-day period, which includes motorcycle rallies, ceremonies, and community outreach programs.
Erdman Automotive’s ceremony on Friday morning will feature speeches, flag ceremonies, and a moment of silence for POWs and MIAs. The company has hosted the event annually for years, drawing hundreds of motorcyclists and spectators. The Rolling Thunder events are organized by the American Legion Post 157 and other local groups, with proceeds supporting veterans’ causes.
Additional events during the weekend include a motorcycle parade on Saturday and a family picnic on Sunday at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. The parade will travel through downtown Cocoa and surrounding areas, while the picnic will offer food, games, and activities for all ages. Organizers say the events aim to bring the community together while honoring military service.
The Rolling Thunder ride has grown since its inception in 1989, with thousands of participants nationwide. In Brevard County, the event has become a key memorial observance, drawing attendees from across Florida and beyond. This year’s events will follow safety protocols and parking guidelines to accommodate the expected crowd.