With September 11 th right around the corner, it got me thinking of patriotism, of strength and courage. Then I saw this video and knew that right now was the time to write this long over due post. This post is a tribute to the Patriot Guard Riders.
Back in April I wrote a blog post about Hate, some of you may recall it. The New Hampshire Blog post itself took on a life of it's own and exposed me to a whole world that I had no clue existed. The Patriot Guard Riders.
I found out that my little town of Hampstead NH had members that belonged to the Patriot Guard Riders and that one of them a woman documents and takes photographs of their mission rides.
This is not a group of guys and gals who are out simply to have fun and tear up the roads riding wildly on their motorcycles.
These are people from all walks of life, many who volunteer their time and take days off from work -unpaid to Stand Tall and be a Rock when we need them.
Some of them may look a little on the wild side but all of them care deeply about doing the right thing...honoring our fallen hero's and protecting their families from further pain.
I didn't know it then but they act as a human shield during funerals protecting the families from the evil of the protesters. I learned that in my town of Hampstead New Hampshire there were people who were going to make sure that the family of our fallen hero and the mourners were not to be touched by the evil of the protesters. They would be shielded from the ugly reality of hate.
I learned that day that the Freedom a local boy had fought and died to preserve gave someone else the right to protest and spew hateful things even while his funeral was being held a few feet away. I watched as the protesters were protected...albeit with great distaste by local law officials. After all...They had a right! He died so they could have the right to be heard and seen.
I learned that day what being Patriotic really meant and it was not just waving a flag on the 4th of July or planting flowers on Veterans day.
It is something much deeper and more powerful than can be imagined.
It is the core of some people unshakable...strong and quiet like a Rock.
It makes them stand in the rain, snow and wind enduring the elements while tightly holding a flag. Solid steady like a Rock for hours protecting people that in many cases they don't even know. They stand there listening to hate filled protesters who carry ugly messages on signs...they listen and look and remain calm... like a Rock.
I wrote that day... feeling all the raw emotion of a life shattered and a new awareness of just how ugly people can be. I wrote about a man who came out of nowhere and held a flag..I called him gruffy.
I wrote about how his actions changed the mood of the day on my little street corner. How he rallied the crowd and showed them how to stare the bad guys down.
I've learned so much since then about the group of bikers that showed up on that rainy day. Many of them Viet Nam vets, some who came from far away and some from the next street over. Many of them didn't know Captain Grassbaugh and that didn't matter...they were on a mission!
I watched from the safety of my window inside my real estate office as they rode by on the way to church. They had flags on their bikes...they were called the Patriot Guard Riders, and they showed me the true meaning of word Patriotic!
Like a Rock they stood together holding their flags...OUR flag proudly.
A group of Bikers, that name alone might make some shutter but really they are your neighbors and I found out that some of them are mine.
They are no different than most folks but when the going gets tough and someone needs to be a Rock...shielding grieving families, rain or shine they band together and do it quietly without fan fare...without pay.
They say on their webs site that Freedom isn't Free but their membership is.
You don't need to ride a bike to be PGR member. Please take a moment and visit their website it will change your attitude...perhaps forever about Bikers.
A little History about the Patriot Guard Riders
It all started back in early August of 2005 when a group of American Legion Riders from Kansas heard that a "fallen hero’s memory was being tarnished by misguided religious zealots who were protesting at funerals" and they decided to do something about it.
The Patriot Guard Riders were born.
They came from all walks of life...male, female, long hair, short hair, clean shaven, a weekend stubble or full grown beard, some wore denim and chaps others polyester...no matter what they looked liked...they had one thing in common. They were Patriotic and they cared deeply.
I'd like to say that the rest is history but I know firsthand that the PGR is still relatively unknown and while what they do is so greatly appreciated...the word still needs to be spread.
I think what they have accomplished in a few short years is remarkable.
Currently the PGR memberships stands over 100,000 members strong and from reading a message by Jeff Lockhart on their website I get the feeling that they think the battle has just begun. They still feel helpless...
The statement below are the words of Jeff Lockhart.
“100,000 strong… and still feeling helpless…”
"The statement above is what I would really like to title this collection of thoughts. Why? Because it’s the first phrase that comes to mind that truly describes who we are – and what we are.
You see, the PGR was founded with the idea of helping the family of a fallen soldier – a hero. Help them get through their grief in peace and surround them with the love and support of a nation that cares about them – and the memory of a hero. The PGR started by focusing on soldiers who were killed in action – but it wasn’t enough. Our membership saw the need to show a veteran who had passed that the PGR cared and loved them as well. In the same vein, the PGR took on the services of first responders – police, and firefighters. Finally… we were doing all we could.
Wrong. Help On the Homefront was established to deliver aid and assistance to troops and their families who were experiencing hardships due to injuries received. Now we’re good to go. Nope. The Fallen Warrior Scholarship fund was created for children of fallen heroes to pursue their dreams of higher education.
Is it ever enough? No… it isn’t. Thus you see the logic of my statement “100,000 strong… and still feeling helpless…”
The PGR rapidly grew in membership because it made sense – it was logical – it was sincere. To this day, these same values drive our mission and our efforts. What makes the PGR such a beautiful organization is the over 100,000 members who all share the same sentiment and ask the same question: “What else can I do?”
What else can I do? What else can I do to honor a man or woman who committed all that they are in this world to serve this country? What else can I do to preserve the honor and memory of a soldier who paid the ultimate price and gave the last full measure of themselves? What else can I do to make sure that they all know I care – it matters… they matter… they truly are special people… heroes to me. " Jeff Lockhart 2007
They do good deeds, so many of them and they ask what else can I do? What else can I do? For me that rainy day in April they made a big difference. I'm sure that they made a difference for the family of Captain Grassbaugh and all the other fallen heroes they have protected. What a mission...may god bless you all!
Like a Rock...Jeff's words can perfectly describe what they are to me...they truly are special people… heroes to me. Patriot Guard Riders...like A Rock! I think we can all use a little bit of their type of Patriotism.
When I was in High School, the kids were from a predominantly military background. In fact, I think around 60% had a military parent. At graduation, almost half of the kids went into the military. When I went to my 21 year reunion, there were a few that had perished. Almost all of my friends from school (and I really don't keep up like I should) have a friend that died in the military. These were people I knew before they chose to serve, and they chose to serve. They knew that they could be in danger, but they felt it was a duty, and an honor to be able to serve this country.
People that disrespect the memory and honor of these brave people (both living and dead) are dirtbags. The Patriot Guard Riders are doing something very important. They are reminding the families of these honorable soldiers that their sacrifice is noted and respected.
Monika - there you go again making my eyes leak... I read your post from April and was deeply moved and this did it all over again. We really don't need to take our military lightly and when I hear of this group who protests and is so full of hate, I think they should be so ashamed of themselves.
The Patriot Riders recently escorted a fallen soldiers body from Travis Air Force Base to Sacramento Valley National VA Cemetary. There was an Army Sargeant from Dixon, CA that was killed in Iraq. I didn't get to see the partiot riders, but I did drive by the cemetary and see all the flags on that day. I'm very supportive of the Patriot Riders and how they're dealing with those protesters...great post.
Monika, you stated this very well "I watched as the protesters were protected...albeit with great distaste by local law officials. After all...They had a right! He died so they could have the right to be heard and seen."
I served during Viet Nam, and I was always puzzled by those who were protesting supposedly for those of us over their, when in reality they were just doing it for themselves. If they wanted to support then, or want to support now, then do it by showing appreciation for what they are doing for us. To do what they did then and some are doing now does nothing to help the moral support that our troops need.
Thank you for posting this Monika, not only for our troops past and present, but also for those who continue to serve like the Patriot Guard Riders.
Thank you Lane. My brother fought in Viet Nam, he came home... but really he didn't. He chose to serve and his plight has made me very sensitive to the plight of all our vets. Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments.
Linda...Sorry I'm making you cry. That group is just hateful and they feel no shame at all! Thank you for commenting.
Ann...I rewrote some if this, added another video and posted it here. You read it and commented on it on my outside blog a few days ago. Your comment was awesome and so touching. Please copy it and post it here as well.
Rondel...Thank you so much for commenting. They really make a difference during difficult times. Here in Hampstead they made sure the family members could not see the protesters. I was so thankful for thats as their signs were just UGLY. No one should have to see that or hear those words...ever.
My brother Billy served in Viet Nam...he became an American citizen so he could go. He didn't have to...he wanted to. It didn't turn well for my brother but I am so proud of him and all our service people! Thank you George ...your words mean a lot to me.
Monika, I was not a US Citizen either when I went in. But I had to become one after I was in to get the secret clearance that I needed for the classification that I had.
Monika. Wonderful tribute the the Patriot Guard Riders.
I don't need an attitude adjustment. I worship the ground they walk on.
Our country is in trouble when lies are spoken as truth and truth is labeled as lies. So many people want our country to be brought to it's knees and have no pride. Unfortunately a lot of them are in the U.S. Congress.
Simple folks like the Guard make us proud to be an American.
George..I was pretty young at the time but remember the day my brother left to go. I was so scared for him.
Lenn...Thank you so much. I don't understand why so many people hate America. I have relatives in Germany and they tell me how Europeans don't like Americans. Sad state of affairs for sure especially when those same sentiments also come from within our own country.
Monika - what an awesome and powerful tribute to those folks who make up the Patriot Guard Riders. I've seen them enroute to funerals, and each time I see them, knowing what they're doing and what they stand for evokes strong emotion within me, as I hope it does everyone else who sees these great people.
It's so very sad that there is a need for them at all, sickening to think what they have to protect grieving families from, but thankfully they are there, doing what they do. Some of the Patriot Guard Riders also accompanied the wreaths that were delivered to Arlington National Cemetary for the holidays - I saw them ride through Portsmouth on that leg of their journey.
Thank you for sharing this post and for getting the word out about what these fine men and women do - the world needs more people like these PATRIOTIC people.
Ann
ps - thanks for clearing up my 'puzzlement' earlier! ;-)
Monika, A wonderful tribute and certainly very deserved. We owe so much to our military past and present, the sacrifices made by them -- it's just overwhelming when I think about it. Thank you for a powerful and moving post.
Monika, I just heard "Like A Rock" coming from Midori's office, I knew exactly what she was watching.. I'm glad you put this post up on AR too. Your still sending chills up my spine... You've added more, I'll be checking it out. Thank you again!
Monika-I can't believe I just made it here. I loved this post as well as the rest of the series. You my friend brought awareness to good things in life! These people, these amazing people...I never knew they existed until you brought them in the spotlight. Angels....that is what they are.... I was touched, I was moved but most of all I cried.. I pray for these families everyday...and I hope...we can find a solution where few will loose their lives. I have to check out the site. Thank you so much for continually keeping us up to date! I gotta go....tears are coming on again....tears of pride!
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I found out that my little town of Hampstead NH had members that belonged to the Patriot Guard Riders and that one of them a woman documents and takes photographs of their mission rides. 
preserve gave someone else the right to protest and spew hateful things even while his funeral was being held a few feet away. I watched as the protesters were protected...albeit with great distaste by local law officials. After all...They had a right! He died so they could have the right to be heard and seen.
I've learned so much since then about the group of bikers that showed up on that rainy day. Many of them Viet Nam vets, some who came from far away and some from the next street over. Many of them didn't know Captain Grassbaugh and that didn't matter...they were on a mission! 
hero’s memory was being tarnished by misguided religious zealots who were protesting at funerals" and they decided to do something about it. 
;)
;)
When I was in High School, the kids were from a predominantly military background. In fact, I think around 60% had a military parent. At graduation, almost half of the kids went into the military. When I went to my 21 year reunion, there were a few that had perished. Almost all of my friends from school (and I really don't keep up like I should) have a friend that died in the military. These were people I knew before they chose to serve, and they chose to serve. They knew that they could be in danger, but they felt it was a duty, and an honor to be able to serve this country.
People that disrespect the memory and honor of these brave people (both living and dead) are dirtbags. The Patriot Guard Riders are doing something very important. They are reminding the families of these honorable soldiers that their sacrifice is noted and respected.
Thanks for the 5 point post.