For immediate release
May 13, 2014

Moreno Valley patriots are invited to make Monday, May 26- Memorial Day special with two events to honor and remember fallen military servicemen and women and their families. Memorial Day activities will continue to include a heart stirring parade in the morning and a memorable community gathering at the Moreno Valley Veteran’s Memorial in the afternoon. Together, these two events will create a Memorial Day to remember for Moreno Valley residents.

West Coast Thunder Motorcycle Parade: 9:30 a.m., Sunnymead Boulevard. between Frederick Street and Heacock Street. This heart stirring tradition ignites the flames of patriotism as the City comes together to enjoy the West Coast Thunder Motorcycle Parade!

2014 marks the second year Moreno Valley hosts the compelling West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Run / Parade along Sunnymead Boulevard. What began as a small motorcycle ride out to Riverside National Cemetery with eight close friends in 1999 has grown into West Coast Thunder, the largest biker-supported Memorial Day event west of the Mississippi River. The West Coast Thunder Bike Run/Parade attracts more than 5,000 riders every year.

Motorcycles leave Riverside Harley-Davidson at precisely 9:11 a.m. The parade route begins with a ride to Riverside National Cemetery, then on to Moreno Valley. Riders will exit SR 60 at Frederick Street/ Pigeon Pass Road at approximately 10:15 a.m. to ride eastbound along Sunnymead Boulevard and re-enter SR 60 at Heacock Street. The parade will last approximately one hour.

Moreno Valley Police Department will begin closing the necessary streets around 8:30 a.m. to assist with the security of all pedestrians and vehicles during this event. For road closure details, please visit the City of Moreno Valley’s website at www.moval.org.

Memorial Day Ceremony: 2:00 p.m., Moreno Valley Veterans Memorial. Join us in the afternoon as we remember the fallen and be moved by thoughtful words of thanks and remembrance delivered by Colonel Russell A. Muncy, Commander, 452d Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base. Works of art created by students at several Moreno Valley Unified School District elementary schools will be on display. The growing list of additional special guests includes:

A time of visiting will follow the ceremony with light refreshments served.

The City of Moreno Valley will also be gratefully accepting donations of peanut butter and jelly in support of Hangar 385, hospitality service for departing and returning war zone soldiers at March Air Reserve Base.

For more information about the 2014 Memorial Day ceremony, e-mail shannap@moval.org, or go to www.moval.org.

West Coast Thunder bikers proudly ride in the 2013 parade along Sunnymead Blvd. in Moreno Valley.