Thousands of motorcyclists hit the road for Memorial Day in the Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride Sunday afternoon.
The riders started out with a memorial service held at the Sevier County Courthouse at 10 a.m. They then took off at 11 a.m. for a 65 mile ride to Veteran's Overlook on Clinch Mountain as a way to honor all the fallen troops for Memorial Day.
"We've gathered here every year for the last 18 years to make sure that we make aware to folks what this weekend is all about," Gary Swanson, the father of a Gold Star family, said. "As a Gold Star family, we lost our son in Iraq after his third tour. We, as a family, know that it's harder on the ones left behind."
The founder of the Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride says 18 years ago, there were about 75 bikes that showed up. For 2018, around 2,500 to 3,000 motorcyclists showed up to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
"It's not the barbecues, it's not the mattress sales. It's honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," founder Ron Giddis said.
The ride helps to remember the fallen troops who are also unaccounted for, honoring them for providing the nation with the freedom we have today.
If you'd like to attend next year's race, Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride has a Facebook page here to check out.