In 2002, Staff ‌Sergeant ⁣Tim Chambers ⁢stepped⁣ into the ⁣road and “popped up a salute” to show appreciation for the many veterans riding‍ their motorcycles during the ⁤Memorial Day Rolling ​Thunder event.

Since then, this man⁣ – known as “The Saluting Marine” – has become ⁢a key part of the yearly parade in Washington, ⁣DC, holding an intense salute for hours to honor ​those‌ who have fallen.

Many people are⁣ moved by Chambers’ dedication to service; ‌they express their thanks with tears, hugs or salutes. In 2012, one female soldier parked ​her blue Sportster next ⁤to The Saluting Marine and what she did⁤ next⁣ touched hearts around the globe.

Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers⁣ clicked his heels together, aligned his fist​ with his pants seam and snapped his right hand ‌into a ⁢strong⁤ salute that⁤ lined up perfectly with his forehead.

He stood there ⁤for⁤ as long⁣ as five hours saluting thousands⁤ of veterans on their motorcycles outside ⁣of‍ the Pentagon during the Memorial Day⁤ Rolling Thunder parade.

Chambers became known​ as The Saluting Marine in 2002 when he⁣ jumped into the⁢ road to greet veterans at this event. “I just jumped‍ out there while it was happening and popped up‍ a ⁢salute. Then I thought about it: ‘Can I make it until it’s ⁢over? If I fall out will I look like an idiot?’” Chambers said about⁣ his first time doing such a tough hours-long salute.

The veteran joined Marines in ⁢1994 and ⁤adds, “I just got ‍caught up in that moment.”

Rolling Thunder began in‌ 1988 to raise awareness about prisoners of⁣ war (POWs) and those ​missing in ‍action​ (MIA), attracting thousands of veteran ⁢bikers from⁣ all over ​America. Sadly,​ it ended in 2019 but Chambers left an everlasting impression on everyone who witnessed his dedication.

He refused to give up ​despite heat or back issues while keeping steady until it was‌ done. One year he even held​ his salute with a broken‍ wrist⁢ which he wouldn’t cast until after serving.

Some veterans noticed him struggling and offered Aspirin and ⁢water ‌showing support.

“I ⁣do this for pain,” he explained.⁤ “It’s all about pain. Many guys still⁢ hurt so if I ⁣can ease their pain through mine even just for‍ one moment then I’ve done my ​job.”

Moved by his commitment hundreds of emotional veterans stop along the route; some kneel down ⁣while others give him hugs⁢ or salutes – all showing gratitude.

Each time Chambers⁤ replied saying “No, my pleasure! Thank you.”