Issa, Calvert call for swift Pentagon attention to permit POW/MIA remembrance motorcycle ride

WASHINGTON – In a joint letter sent April 23, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) expressed their support for the Rolling to Remember motorcycle ride held in Washington, DC each Memorial Day in remembrance of POW/MIA veterans. As the event date quickly approaches, Issa and Calvert called for a swift Pentagon review of the permit request that has thus far gone unanswered. Congressman Issa said:

“Last week, veterans and advocates asked for help in breaking through Washington red tape so this event can move forward honoring our fallen warriors. We call on the White House and the Pentagon to keep faith with our veterans and their advocates at AMVETS and simply allow for unused Pentagon parking space to serve as a coordination point, as has been done for many years for this ride. This should be an easy call for our government to make and a simple, timely, and worthy request deserving of prompt approval.

“Let’s clear the way for this special honor on behalf of those who gave their all for this nation. Let’s demonstrate that Washington can come together for the things that matter most. Let’s make way for Rolling to Remember.”

Congressman Calvert said:

“Time is ticking, and our veterans are counting on us. For more than three decades, veterans have honored our fallen and missing heroes with their Memorial Day motorcycle ride. There’s no reason for the delay in approving their request. The Pentagon needs to act now.”

AMVETS National Executive Director Joseph R. Chenelly added:

“The American military has long prided itself on leaving no man or woman behind. We are grateful that Congressman Issa and Congressman Calvert are keeping that in mind and working with us to ensure our fellow veterans, military families and Gold Star families have an ideal location for Rolling to Remember.”

The event organizers, AMVETS, submitted permit requests and petitions for coordination to multiple federal agencies. To date the Pentagon is the only entity to not meet with AMVETS about the event and has yet to issue a determination on the permit request.

Submitted by the office of Congressman Darrell Issa.