Every Memorial Day weekend, the forecast is Rolling Thunder in the D.C. area. No, not the weather — though we’ve had some storms of late — but a huge motorcycle rally.

This was the 30th year this group roared onto the D.C. Mall — all in tribute to vets and for a great cause — MIAs, POWs, and repatriated remains. For those of you too young to know this terminology, it stands for those still Missing In Action, Prisoners of War, and allowing the dead, who are in hostile territory, to be brought home for a decent burial.

I think there are few greater causes on this Memorial Day and I salute the men and women who gave their lives and their service. I also salute folks like those in Rolling Thunder who remind us of these important veterans’ causes and force us to remember how lucky the rest of us really are.

By the way, I also think this guy here is the essential confident and assured male. I called this color deep pink, my husband said it was a manly purple. Whatever it’s called, I’m glad he’s leader of this section of the pack, setting the pace, and not afraid of a little splash of this vibrant hue.