Thousands of bikers ride for veterans' rights

The motorcyclists support veterans and troops listed as missing in action.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Thousands of motorcyclists gathered Sunday at the Pentagon parking lot and began a rumbling ride through the nation's capital.

The 15th Annual Rolling Thunder "Ride for Freedom" made its annual trek past Arlington National Cemetery and across the Potomac River to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial for a day of speeches and music.

The group -- which supports veterans and troops listed as missing in action -- also roared by the Capitol, flying American and POW-MIA organization flags as hundreds of people lined the streets cheering them on.

The riders joined up from all across the nation to participate in this weekend's activities, saying this year's event had more meaning because of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

"Now the war is at home and not just overseas," said one rider.

Some of the motorcycles in the rally were painted with scenes from September 11, such as the World Trade Center towers on fire, in honor of those who were killed.