I think it's time to tell you about the
Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).
Have you have seen a rag-tag motorcycle gang at a military funeral, bikes flying American flags and leading the procession, or maybe caught a story on the national CBS, ABC, or NBC television news, or heard about PGR on NPR or other radio networks? If so, it seems that you're a one of the few people who know about us.
I wrote this blog post a while back, but for numerous reasons decided not to publish it. I don't know why it's difficult for me to talk about this, but it is. Part of the reason is definitely that I don't want you to think I'm writing about being a member of the PGR because I want you to think my motivation as an ego boost, or that I think I'm "cool" because I ride a motorcycle. Nothing could be further from the truth. Another reason is that I intentionally stay away from religion and politics on my blog.
So why am I posting about it now? Good question. First let me tell you a bit about the Patriot Guard Riders.
While I would prefer to use my own words, I want this post to be as unbiased as possible. Hence, here's my very gently edited mission statement of the PGR:
Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite 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.
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
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.
What does all that mean? It means that the families of deceased veterans or law enforcement officials invite the PGR to be present during their time of grief. A typical ride (called a "mission" within the PGR) is that we gather at a pre-determined location near the funeral / wake / burial site. The PGR motorcyclists then affix flag poles and 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 flags to the poles and ride to the ceremony before it begins.
If it's a wake or funeral, we detach the flag poles from our bikes and form an honor guard, through which the family and guests pass between as they enter and exit. I've been on missions for which we stand at attention for hours. For others it's only a half hour or so as people file from a funeral home or place of worship.
We usually then re-mount the flag poles onto our motorcycles and lead the procession to the cemetery. At the behest of the family, and taking orders either from the funeral director or the CAO (Casualty Assistance Officer), we surround the gravesite with flags in hand.
Members of the PGR almost never utter a word to anybody. We're not there to make a political statement. We're not there to provide "security" or control traffic. We're certainly not there to have a good time nor gain publicity. We are there simply as civilians, some of whom have worn the uniform in service of our country and some of whom simply want to DO something more than slapping a $1 yellow ribbon banner onto the back of our car. I am of the latter category.
My decision to publish this post mainly boils down to three reasons.
First, I've been on enough (too many) missions now to truly understand that the PGR is all I hoped it would be. It sounded too good -- too altruistic. My fears were spectacularly unfounded.
Secondly, I hope that somebody who has a family member that is a veteran from WWII or Korea (or anywhere in between or beyond) will learn that we're there for them. It's truly awesome to see that when a mere handful of people attend a funeral (often very elderly), they gain comfort as they pass through a column of dozens of flags held aloft by Patriot Guard Riders. Whether they served last week or last century, the PGR will be there in numbers to show appreciation of their service to the country. The families without exception must invite the PGR to attend, and I was somehow surprised to learn that nearly all veterans' families do.
Thirdly, and most importantly, a few weeks ago I was touched deeply by an experience I will never forget. I know that this sounds ... Hollywoodish ... but the thought of downplaying the power of the situation or "underdescribing" it would be dishonest and disrepectful. The widow of a soldier killed by an IED in Bagdad approached me with tears running down her cheeks, three-year-old son in tow. There I was, holding my flag and looking straight ahead. I was doing my best (poorly) to appear impassive. She opened her arms to hug me. I did what was instinctual, and right. I hugged her back, flag still in my hand. What else could I have done?
She said "thank you for being here for him." Not knowing what else to say, and myself choked up, I muttered "It is my honor."
I'm a Patriot Guard Rider. It is my privilege to be so.
My motorcycle Val with her flag flying high. If you wish to learn more:
WikiNBC NewsABC NewsNational Public Radio (NPR)A Long PGR Line of Honor (I can't make it through this one)
Summarizes why I ride with the PGR (can't make it through this one either)
[I will not publish any pictures taken at events at which I've been present. Thanks to the person that forwarded the pictures of another mission, in another state. You know who you are.]
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