State Unveils Plate As 'Rolling Thunder' Begins Journey

INDIANAPOLIS -- As about 100 motorcycle riders from Indiana hit the road Thursday morning for their annual memorial ride to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about prisoners of war and others missing in action, the state rolled out a new license plate commemorating Hoosier sacrifice.

Ronald E. Smith was 30 years old and a Green Beret in Vietnam when he was declared missing in action in 1970. Decades later, emotions are still raw, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

"What a hero, how he gave up his life for this country," said Linda Cope, Smith's sister. "Our government left him there."

Cope joined Rolling Thunder on its mission to speak out for those who can't speak for themselves.

"We can't rest until we bring them all home," said Edward Rutledge, of Rolling Thunder. "That's why we lobby the government."

As part of the sendoff ceremony, the state unveiled its new license plate that specifically calls attention to the plight of POWs.

"I think it's going to give us recognition for a serious problem," said Darrell Bowman, a Vietnam veteran.

Fifty-six Hoosiers are still missing from Vietnam. Their names were read one by one, and organizers pledged that they will never be forgotten.

Some of the riders took part in remembering friends who they served with side by side.

"Their names are on the wall. I take them to the wall every year, just so they can ride with me," said Steve Mabrey, a Vietnam veteran. "It keeps me close to them."

As Rolling Thunder members parade in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, they will ask the nation's leaders to never give up the pursuit of Hoosier heroes, like Smith.

About 500,000 motorcyclists are expected to converge on D.C. this weekend. The license plate will be made available next year. Proceeds from the sale of the plates will benefit veterans and their families who are facing financial hardship.