White House to greet Rolling Thunder

WASHINGTON, May 22 (UPI) -- Artie Muller, founder of the non-profit organization Rolling Thunder, said a White House official will greet the group's motorcycle ride through Washington.

Muller said while the White House initially informed the U.S. veterans organization that U.S. President Barack Obama would not officially greet its 22nd annual motorcycle ride, the administration's position has changed slightly, The Washington Times said Friday.

Group spokeswoman Nancy Regg said a recent White House communication said some group members would meet with someone at the presidential site Friday in honor of Sunday's "Freedom Ride" event.

"We expect it will be a member of the staff, not a meeting with President Obama. We really won't know until sometime on Friday afternoon. But this is a step in the right direction," Regg said of the details of the White House meeting.

Up to 500,000 motorcyclists are expected to take part in Sunday's ride through Washington to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Times said.

Rolling Thunder focuses its efforts on drawing public attention to issues vital to U.S. veterans, as well as soldiers missing in action or prisoners of war and those currently serving in the military.