Posted on 12/12/2006 11:34:30 AM PST by smokinleroy
It’s a quiet movement that rose from grass roots almost silently. Patriotic people across the nation have risen with a mission to serve U.S. troops, veterans and the families of both. The group began in 2005 and continues to grow as more people learn about the activities of the Patriot Guard Riders. Several from the Texoma area are members and the Riders were on hand Sunday to help with the laying to rest of Bonham’s fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Michael Shank.
In that group of riders there were people who rode from Waxahachie, Ponder and Terrell to name just a few. They rode those distances in the cold and rain. They help with traffic control during funeral processions and they form a ring of protection for the soldier’s family. And, why does the family need protection?
Hard as it is to believe, there are groups throughout the nation who choose to protest the war by plagueing the families of fallen soldiers as the family is saying its final good-bye to its fallen loved one. The Patriot Guard started out to help families little more than a year ago, and today the group is much more.
A look at the Web site at www.patriotguard.org reveals a campaign beginning for what some call the invisible casualties of the war — the mamed and injured who are recovering in hospitals. The Patriot Guard is visiting these soldiers and doing what they can to help support them, operating under the mission statement of, “Standing for those who stood for us.”
In that statement, the Patriot Guard shows an “unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.” Anyone who shares that sentiment is welcome to join the Patriot Guard whether they are veterans or not. They don’t even have to ride a motorcycle. Political views don’t matter either. The only requirement is respect.
“Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives: Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities and shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors,” information states on the group’s Web site.
Other missions in which they take part are welcome home rides when a military person returns from active duty, events to honor veterans and a scholarship fund for the children of fallen soldiers.
Also on the Web site is the following statement: “To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.”
Some here have said that it appears that another army is rising up across America, and this one is to help at home.
Ping for the PGR. God Bless them for what they do.
bttt
There for Respect and to keep the Loonies out
Had the privilege last week of officating at the funeral and interment of a USMC WWII Guadalcanal/New Britain veteran...
It was a powerful homegoing.... with the PGR along as pallbearerers... Full honors at the new National Cemetery in N. GA...
The first FReeper to mention the trite and sophomoric term "donorcycles" on this thread about patriotic American motorcyclists is a dimwit.
~ Blue Jays ~
Hooligan PING.
*ping*
I was at one a couple months ago and the young son (4-5 y/o) of the deceased came up to me, handed me a patterned handherchief and asked me to tie it on his head like mine and many of the others there.
Stuff like that kinda gets to ya...
The PGR also has welcome home parades for those returning. We attended one this summer and standing by the curb watching the PGR guys ride by with giant America flags on their motorcyles brought tears to my eyes....then the military marched on by.....more tears. We then had a welcome home ceremony followed by time to talk to all. One couldn't help but be moved by the guys in PGR as they talked about their "duty" to honor these guys and how privledged they feel to be allowed to do this. All that we talked to all had a tear in their eye....for some it was a rembrance of their return from Viet Nam.
We joined PGR then as those who ride in "cages" (cars) and are looking forward to attending some of the PGR events. It will be our small part of honoring those who serve our country.
God Bless our military.........
Welcome to PGR. I joined earlier this year and have been privileged to ride (in my cage) for several events here in Mississippi.
If I had one warning for any new member, it would be to be prepared for those tears. Once you get past the leather and loud pipes you will find real people with real emotions. We really mean it when we talk about honor and duty. We love our country and we love those men and women who are putting themselves between us and those who want to do us harm.
The hardest part of a mission for me, especially one involving a funeral, is when the family members and the uniformed service members walk our flag line and thank us for being there. The toughest is the military guys. Why is this living hero thanking me? It's really hard to croak out, "No, thank you," with a lump in your throat so big you can barely breathe.
PGR is the most satisfying thing I have done since I got out of the USAF 22 years ago. The brotherhood I feel with these guys is the same or stronger than any I ever experienced in or out of the service. They are great and you will have a tremendous time being associated with them.
I was unaware of the term, until I saw it mentioned here.
Does the poster qualify for your "dimwit" label? ;-)
Posting a clear advisory seems to be the only way to discourage the nitwits who visit motorcycle threads to complain about motorcycles fer' crying out loud! My pesonal theory is that they're just jealous of riders out in the fresh air. 
~ Blue Jays ~
WOW!! Awe-inspiring I'm sure. We were at a military funeral of a friend in November and just driving thru the National Cemetery is amazing. We'll be going back on Thursday for the wreath laying ceremony.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7651913251684821670&q=%22patriot+guard%22
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4858413703827770690&q=%22patriot+guard%22
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1471138343337817946&q=%22patriot+guard%22
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4385693698214212007&q=%22patriot+guard%22
You appear to be the first. :P
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