Motorcycles create 'Patriot Thunder' as they roll through Westmoreland to honor USA, police

| Back | Text Size:

Nate Smallwood | Saturday, July 4, 2020 5:23 p.m.

Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review

Bikers ride along Donohoe Road while participating in Patriot Thunder, a free motorcycle ride, that started in Latrobe on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

Well more than 100 motorcycles took part in a “Patriot Thunder” ride Saturday through portions of Westmoreland County.

Organizers said the simple purpose of the free event was to “celebrate the greatest nation on earth” and honor active and fallen police officers.

Organizers encouraged riders to wear red, white and blue and to bring American flags, which many fastened to their bikes.

But at least one rode with a Confederate flag and two smaller American flags attached.

Before the ride began in Latrobe, the groups said the Pledge of Allegiance and prayed. They thanked a state trooper who met with them.

They then headed out by way of Donohoe Road from Latrobe to Greensburg and beyond.