Patriot Guard Riders
It would seem unimaginable that the family of a fallen soldier could be subject to forceful and hurtful protesters on what will be the most painful and difficult day of their lives; the day they bury their beloved soldier, but unfortunately it does happen. Today I want to tell you all about a special group of people who work diligently to shield military families during their time of pain and sorrow, and by doing this they pay their respect to our fallen heroes.
Today I feel privileged to tell you all about the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). The PGR are dedicated to showing their respect to our fallen heroes by helping to shield mourning families from protesters during funerals. PGR also offers a “Fallen Warrior Scholarship” for US military family members of our fallen heroes.
So, how can you help and get involved in this great organization? There are many ways!
First, read the PGR Mission Statement:
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 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.
Check out their history!
Then, take a peek at the various events and programs that are going on. The PGR does many different things, and you will undoubtedly find something that you can help with!
Finally, if you are looking for a warm, inviting and very patriotic online community in which to visit (even if you don’t own a motorcycle!) please take a minute, sign up for a free account, and join in the discussions on their forums.
As the mother of an WOT Veteran I have to say that knowing that the PGR is there to protect our extended military family brings a lot of comfort to me. Thank you PGR! Speaking of mothers of vets, we also have a fellow milblogging mom who is a PGR! Thank you Stacy!
Thanks Claire. It brings so much warmth to my heart to be a part of the PGR. Best decision I have ever made when it comes to joining organizations, that is besides Soldiers’ Angels.
We have had so many feel good missions in Mississippi the past few weeks. We just sent off a unit in North Mississippi, and we had 200 bikes plus lots of cages. These Wisconsin soldiers did not know how to handle all of us Southerners. We also took up money for a soldier to fly home for a funeral that his family was not able to afford. Just an awesome group of PGR’s.
I agree Stacy! I wish that there was some way to capture how valuable the PGR are to our military and veteran soldiers and their families. How do you calculate the immense value of morale, appreciation and respect? It is priceless!