Revving Their Engines, Remembering a War's Toll

Lt. Michael L. Licalzi's funeral cortege moved through Nassau County, slowly and a hundred cars strong.

At the head of the procession were those who suffered most — friends and family — though riding point out front was a group of strangers who, if they had not suffered personally, had at least decided they would not forget.

Beleive it or not, a must-read Memorial Day Story from the NYTs. It is about the Patriot Guard Riders' efforts to ensure respect at the funerals of American servicepeople killed in the current war -- and the positive reaction they are getting.

It is the type of story you would have seen in WWII.

Please keep this thread bumped to the top throughout Memorial Day.

Being an active member of the PGR, I will accept your
thanks on their behalf. I have been a member since March
2006 and have attended over ten (10) funerals for
America's Fallen Heroes. I have NEVER even seen a single
protestor, but that is not the point any more. We found
that honoring our fallen heroes is where we all should
have been from the beginning -- it took a negative to
create one of the most powerful causes for good our
country has ever seen.

Membership is exploding -- over 30,000 currently and
growing daily. We support the family, honor their loved-
one and show that our Nation still cares. The families
appreciate our presence -- we offer to be present and they
invite us -- or we don not attend. By silently standing by
our US Flags, we share in the family's sacrifice and their
tears. Each time I say that I will remain detached, but
each time I am near a family member that hurts, I hurt. We
care about that young person who has given his/her all and
we are proud to honor them.

Please be aware that America is alive and well. We the
people still love our country, we still love our flag, and
we still grieve for our fallen heroes. Our only wish is
that there will be no more funerals for our heores -- but
rest assured, as long as there are fallen heroes to honor,
we (including you) will be there to say thank you for
their ultimate sacrifice.

You do not have to ride a motorcycle, you can drive your
four wheeled "cage" displaying the flag and standing by
our side. It is not an easy task, but you will gain much
more than you give -- promise.

Please refer to: http://patriotguard.org

Dave.

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