SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride, a heartfelt tribute to fallen military veterans. It’s a bittersweet milestone as it’s the final ride organized by longtime founders Ron and Sandy Giddis.
Now although this was the final Smoky Mountain Thunder Ride, the tradition is not over quite yet. Vernon Gooden is now taking over for a new era, calling it the “Smoky Mountain Memorial Ride” moving forward. Gold Star Father Gary Swanson has been a part of the Smoky Mountain Thunder Ride for 17 years.
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Swanson talked about his son, Christopher, who died while serving in the military: “His Bradley was hit by an IED, and he had staples in his leg. He could have chosen to take an R and R ten days before he was killed, but he wanted to be there for his guys, and because of that, he paid the ultimate sacrifice by a sniper in Ramadi, Iraq.”
The ride spans five counties and covers 65 miles, escorted by police, before ending at Veterans Overlook with a wreath laying ceremony. For Swanson and many others this was their last time making the journey as a part of the original ride…