In 2002, Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers marched into the middle of the road and “popped up a salute” to thank the thousands of veterans rumbling down the road on their motorcycles at the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder event.
Since, the man – known as “The Saluting Marine” – became a main attraction at the annual parade held in Washington, DC, holding an excruciating hours-long salute to honor fallen soldiers.
He stood in his position for up to five hours, saluting thousands of veterans as they rode by on their motorcycles outside of the Pentagon during the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder parade.
Chambers became known as The Saluting Marine in 2002 when he “popped” into the middle of the road, greeting veterans at the parade. “I just jumped out there as the parade was happening and popped up a salute. Then I started thinking, ‘Can I make it to the end? If I fall out will I look like a complete idiot?’” Chambers said of his first time holding a demanding hours-long salute at the event.
The veteran, who joined the Marines in 1994, adds, “I just got caught up in the moment.”
Rolling Thunder started in 1988 to raise awareness about prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIA) and attracts thousands of veteran bikers from across the United States. Unfortunately, it ended in 2019, but Chambers left a permanent mark on everyone who saw his commitment and honor to veterans.
And he refused to surrender to the heat or a medical condition in his back, holding his position steady until it was over. One year, he even held his salute with a broken wrist, that he refused to cast until he served his duty.
Clearly in distress, some veterans approached Chambers with Aspirin and water, offering their support.
“I do this for the pain,” he explained. “It’s all about the pain. A lot of these guys still hurt and if I can relieve their pain through mine just for one brief moment, then I’ve done my job.”
Overwhelmed by his commitment and discipline, hundreds of emotional veterans stop along the parade route, some bending a knee and others offering him hug or a salute – all showing him their gratitude.
Each time Chambers responded, “No, it was my pleasure. Thank you.”
One year, a young boy stepped on the median and dropped to his knees in front of Chambers.
Sharing a photo of the moment on Facebook, the saluting soldier writes, “Prayers are private he displayed the courage to walk out in front of millions to practice his own faith I had to reinforce his courage and kneel down with him (sic).”
And, in 2012, an unidentified female soldier stopped her baby blue Harley Davidson Sportster and stepped in front of the battlefield cross memorial made of combat boots and a rifle, topped by a helmet.
After saluting Chambers and the fallen soldiers, she then placed a red rose by the memorial, prompting an eruption of cheers from parade goers.
The clip, seen by 6.2 million people since it was first posted on YouTube, captured the hearts of people praising her patriotism.
“That woman made me so proud to be an American because I lost two brothers to the war,” writes one online user. A second shares, “She made me cry, I’m so proud to be an American. God bless all our fallen warriors and God bless America.”
A retired infantry sniper writes, “It was pretty damned heart-warming to see that woman get off of her bike to return salute. And even more so to know that the civilians watching were in admiration,” the comment continues, “So, to all of you who have proudly served, I salute you. And to those of you who haven’t served but respect those of us who have, know that we stand in front of you – where we can best defend what’s dear.”
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