June 5, 2019 Loudoun 2406 Holds a "Rolling Thunder" Memorial Celebration Loudoun 2406 had a Memorial Day event commemorang Veterans and the last "Rolling Thunder" on Sunday, May 26. It was previously reported in the news that this year was going to be the last event because of rising costs and planning required by the organizers. The inaugural Rolling Thunder, held in 1983, had 2,000-3,000 bikers, led by a group carrying a banner which read “We will Never Forget.” The event has been held on the Sunday before Memorial Day, the demonstraon ride to honor those US service members missing in acon and prisoners of war, has grown to an esmated one million people. Loudoun wanted to commemorate the day by holding its own aſter party. A local Sterling band, Sacco Band, volunteered their me and talent to the event. Kathee Cassedy and her commiee did a fantasc job planning and fundraising to provide free food to all parcipants. Opening Ceremonies included Loudoun Elks Honor Guards; Billie Kornegay and Guy Chiarolanza presented the US Flag and POW-MIA flag while Abby Miller sang the Star Spangled Banner. Exalted Ruler Cynthia Cortner said a prayer and welcomed the crowd to Loudoun. Addionally, a "Dunk an Officer" fundraiser was organized by the Exalted Ruler to raise donaons for the Virginia State Elks Charitable Trust Fund. Officers who volunteered to be dunked were State Trustee PER Geoff Cox, Leading Knight Debbie Maffet, Loyal Knight Marvin Miller, Trustee Michael Whalen, and First Gentleman Don Cortner. With their help, donaons totaled $310 for the day. Special Thanks to all who helped decorate (Kathy Brocke, Billie Kornegay), setup and breakdown (Larry Stokely, Eric Truman, Todd Young, Pete Boyers and Guy Chiarolanza), Commiee Members including all those who cooked and cleaned (Lisa Lampert, Ann Schull, Kara Moreau, Bey Whitmer, Dawn and Mike Maroney, Tommy Schuyler, Paul Forscht, Lisa Stumpf, and Vicki Radoye) and parcipated by making the event a success! Elks Do! Submied by Cindy Cortner, Photos by Kathee Cassedy Send comments to [email protected]