Patriot Guard Riders

 

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. If you share this respect, please join us.

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 protestor or group of protestors. 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.

(Copied from PGR website)

Why Did I Join???

 

I remember when I was small child and would be watching cartoons or stuff like that and when the television program would cut over to commercials. Once in a while Timelife Books would show a TV commercial trying to sell its books about the Vietnam War. It was showing how the U.S.A. was ignoring our veterans coming home from Vietnam or people spitting on them and calling them 'baby killers'. Now keep in mind that I was just a child then and couldn't believe how people treated soldiers coming home like that. Anybody who knows me would testify that my memory sucks. This TV commercial has stuck with me nearly 30 years. When I heard of the Patriot Guard Riders I went to their website and checked it out. I thought about it for a couple of days then I made the decision to join the PGR keeping in mind of how those soldiers were treated coming home from Vietnam. I made a pledge to myself that I would do my part to prevent that treatment from happening to soldiers again, NOT ON MY WATCH. To all of you Vietnam veterans out there, WELCOME HOME!!!!!!

There have been many missions I've participated in ofwhich some of them stick out from the rest. I try to remember all of them but when they become numerous then it is hard to remember them all. I remember the first mission I did of course. It was in Pleasant Prairie, Wi. at a church. It was a funeral and I didn't know what to expect. There had to have been over 100 motorcycles parked with even more PGR members standing the flag line. The soldiers name is PFC Eric D. Clark, U.S.Army and died from an improvised explosive device (IED) on May 11, 2006. When friends and family came to the funeral and saw us they were in amazement on what they saw and how many of us that were standing the flag line for their loved one. Standing the flag line for me shows the family and community that it is more than their loss but it is OUR loss. After that mission I realized I had found a way to give back to my community was through the PGR. Another mission I was on was for an Army Officer in the reserves. His name is Captain Shane Mahaffee and his occupation was a lawyer. While I was standing the flag line at his wake his mother and father came out to meet us. A very dignified man his father is. His parents thanked each one of us for coming to honor their son. It was a honor to be there. Another Army Captain came out to meet us and he told us what happened to Captain Mahaffe. You can read about it here. The PGR does all sorts of missions ranging from funerals, casket escorts, welcome home type missions, parades, veteran type charity rides, and memorial dedications. It is real honor to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders. You get to stand and ride next to the FINEST men and women this nation has to offer. If anything that could persuade you to join the PGR then you should watch this small movie. After you watch this movie ask yourself this question, why wouldn't you stand for warriors like this? Remember, freedom isn't free. There is an old saying for what the United States of America is all about. Home of the free, home of the brave.