(AP, TBD) Sarah Palin will join Rolling Thunder, a non-profit group that draws attention to American troops who fought in wars and are still unaccounted for, at the group's motorcycle ride this weekend to the Vietnam Veterans memorial.

Continue reading

Palin, who will use the event to kick off a Northeast bus tour, the New York Times reports. It's unclear whether or not the former governor of Alaska and vice-presidential candidate, will speak at the event.

The ride and demonstration, a Memorial Day staple, takes place Sunday in Washington.

Thunder deliver meal on two wheels

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Rolling Thunder riders lend their horsepower to Meals on Wheels. The program delivers food to homebound residents such as Oscar Sansbury. The 83-year-old Korean War veteran waits on his front porch for the meals to arrive. He said the meal deliveries were “very, very important” to him.

High gas prices have put the program in a pinch. Meals on Wheels volunteers user their own cars to deliver meals to the homebound, and rising gas prices means 80 percent of programs nationwide are losing workers.

“Most of my volunteers are older themselves, they're on very fixed incomes. So the rise between $2 and $4 a gallon in gas really makes a difference,” said Jim Feasley, the program’s director in Takoma Park.

Besides a hot healthy meal, that daily visit is also a connection to the outside world.

“It's so emotional. Everyone is just so thankful and we're lucky that we're in a position to do this,” said Rolling Thunder member Buddy Cooper.

The meal recipients appreciate the help. Sansbury delights at the daily delivery, and Jim Hilton, a veteran of the Vietnam War, expressed his gratitude.

“I can understand other vets, without a lot of help, are struggling. And this just means a lot,” Hilton said.

Road closures expected for weekend ride

Motorists can expect multiple road closures throughout the day around the Mall and monuments, the U.S. Park Police said.

Constitution Avenue will be shut from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to 23rd Street NW, and Independence Avenue from 1st Street SW to 23rd Street SW. Memorial Bridge and Memorial Avenue will also be closed from Route 110 to Arlington Memorial Circle. Ohio Drive will be closed from Independence Avenue to Virginia Avenue.

Officials say public transportation is the best way to get around the area.