Motorcyclists pay tribute to military vets in West Coast Thunder ride

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- Thousands of motorcyclists roared through Riverside Monday in a special Memorial Day tribute to military veterans.

West Coast Thunder is now in its 16th year. It was an emotional ride for the motorcyclists as well as the people along the roads showing their support.

There were about 6,000 motorcycle riders who took part. The large group met at Harley Davidson in Riverside and then rode over to the Riverside National Cemetery.

Volunteers placed more than 180,000 flags on each grave at the cemetery.

The West Coast Thunder ride is Southern California's version of the Rolling Thunder ride. Families waved flags as the riders drove by down the city streets.

"It's pretty emotional. You know, Vietnam vets didn't get a lot of welcome homes so when you see those signs out there and people with their thumbs up...it's a little late, but it feels good," said Bill Chamberlain, organizer of West Coast Thunder.

On Sunday night, an event called "Veterans Rucking for Veterans" took place as a group of people walked 40 miles to the Riverside National Cemetery from Pomona. Each one carried a backpack of field equipment that weighs 22 pounds, which represents the average number of veterans who commit suicide each day nationwide.