thedrifter
12-13-06, 08:01 AM
Patriot Guard Riders continuing to grow
Herald Democrat (Sherman, TX) ^ | 12/12/06 | Joyce Godwin
It’s a quiet movement that rose from grass roots almost silently. Patriotic people across the nation have risen with a mission to serve U.S. troops, veterans and the families of both. The group began in 2005 and continues to grow as more people learn about the activities of the Patriot Guard Riders. Several from the Texoma area are members and the Riders were on hand Sunday to help with the laying to rest of Bonham’s fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Michael Shank.
In that group of riders there were people who rode from Waxahachie, Ponder and Terrell to name just a few. They rode those distances in the cold and rain. They help with traffic control during funeral processions and they form a ring of protection for the soldier’s family. And, why does the family need protection?
Hard as it is to believe, there are groups throughout the nation who choose to protest the war by plagueing the families of fallen soldiers as the family is saying its final good-bye to its fallen loved one. The Patriot Guard started out to help families little more than a year ago, and today the group is much more.
A look at the Web site at www.patriotguard.org reveals a campaign beginning for what some call the invisible casualties of the war — the mamed and injured who are recovering in hospitals. The Patriot Guard is visiting these soldiers and doing what they can to help support them, operating under the mission statement of, “Standing for those who stood for us.”
In that statement, the Patriot Guard shows an “unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.” Anyone who shares that sentiment is welcome to join the Patriot Guard whether they are veterans or not. They don’t even have to ride a motorcycle. Political views don’t matter either. The only requirement 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: Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities and shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors,” information states on the group’s Web site.
Other missions in which they take part are welcome home rides when a military person returns from active duty, events to honor veterans and a scholarship fund for the children of fallen soldiers.
Also on the Web site is the following statement: “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.”
Some here have said that it appears that another army is rising up across America, and this one is to help at home.
Herald Democrat (Sherman, TX) ^ | 12/12/06 | Joyce Godwin
It’s a quiet movement that rose from grass roots almost silently. Patriotic people across the nation have risen with a mission to serve U.S. troops, veterans and the families of both. The group began in 2005 and continues to grow as more people learn about the activities of the Patriot Guard Riders. Several from the Texoma area are members and the Riders were on hand Sunday to help with the laying to rest of Bonham’s fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Michael Shank.
In that group of riders there were people who rode from Waxahachie, Ponder and Terrell to name just a few. They rode those distances in the cold and rain. They help with traffic control during funeral processions and they form a ring of protection for the soldier’s family. And, why does the family need protection?
Hard as it is to believe, there are groups throughout the nation who choose to protest the war by plagueing the families of fallen soldiers as the family is saying its final good-bye to its fallen loved one. The Patriot Guard started out to help families little more than a year ago, and today the group is much more.
A look at the Web site at www.patriotguard.org reveals a campaign beginning for what some call the invisible casualties of the war — the mamed and injured who are recovering in hospitals. The Patriot Guard is visiting these soldiers and doing what they can to help support them, operating under the mission statement of, “Standing for those who stood for us.”
In that statement, the Patriot Guard shows an “unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.” Anyone who shares that sentiment is welcome to join the Patriot Guard whether they are veterans or not. They don’t even have to ride a motorcycle. Political views don’t matter either. The only requirement 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: Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities and shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors,” information states on the group’s Web site.
Other missions in which they take part are welcome home rides when a military person returns from active duty, events to honor veterans and a scholarship fund for the children of fallen soldiers.
Also on the Web site is the following statement: “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.”
Some here have said that it appears that another army is rising up across America, and this one is to help at home.