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.
Overwhelmed by Chambers’ commitment to the service, many people express their gratitude with tears, hugs or a salute. In 2012, one female soldier stopped her blue Sportster next to The Saluting Marine and what she did next touched the hearts of millions across the world.
Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers slammed his heels together, lined his fist with his trouser seam, and snapped his right hand into a steely salute that perfectly aligned with his brow.
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.”
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