21 Thursday, 22 Saturday

I rode Thursday with the Patriot Guard Riders to my 21st funeral since March 19th, 2006. I was prompted in March by services for SSGNT Ricky Jones (also here) in Kokomo Indiana. I remember watching the news and seeing people there protesting… “protesting what”, I thought. “the war? OK guess they have that right.” Then I heard something about the protesters believing the family was at fault and that the solder and my country deserved it. “Hey, wait just a fu@#ing minute, how can the family be at fault?” I like to think I am open minded and give a great latitude when accepting someone else’s beliefs or opinions. I also believe that our right to freedom of speech is one of our most cherished. BUT, I also believe in the honor and respect deserved by the family of a fallen solder. The longer this goes, the more I believe this.

I heard about the Indiana part of a national group, the Patriot Guard Riders, was going to be there to protect the family. “Great, a motorcycle gang to protect a solders family. Sounds like a fight in Kokomo.” At this point I was about to walk away, but I thought for a moment, “What if that was me?? What if that was my son? (my son is a Marine, currently in the reserves and my brother, a Corpsman, spent a year in Iraq - Ramadi) Would I welcome them?”

I did some research. I found their web page, and within a few minutes I joined.

It was easy. It was a no brainer. The mission statement is:

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 friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

(I'd like to draw your attention to the first statement of the second paragraph, "We don't care what you ride or if you ride", that means you don't have to own a motorcycle to join and attend. Just come dressed for the weather, bring a flag and have respect for the family.)

Within a week I was attending my first funeral. Not an Iraqi vet, a Vietnam Vet, in his 50’s, died of cancer. His brother came out to where we were standing and thanked us. In tears, he thanked us for coming. I cried like I haven’t cried before.

Since then, I have cried a lot. And I have seen honor, and I have seen gratitude where none was expected. I watched the mother of a 19 year old Marine walk up and down our line, shaking ever hand and thanking each and everyone of us for coming. It is our honor. I have looked into the bloodshot red, tear filled eyes of a young solders father, shook his hand, neither of us saying a word then hugged him. It is our honor. And I cried.

Saturday is my 22nd funeral. I've been to more this year than in my entire life up to this point. Too many. But I would go to them all wishing there were none, I would stand, I will stand, I will honor. I thank them for buying my freedom. I will cry for them, I will hug them. I will be there for them.