Paying Respect

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Dec 15, 2014 | 09:02 PM

#11

MNPGRider

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 6,336

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From: SW Minnesota

Being a Patriot Guard Rider is the most meaningful thing that I have ever done in my life. I've attended missions in Mn, Ia, SD, ND, Ne, Wi, and Wy.

Sid, traditions can certainly be different from country to country. I can't say I've ever seen people clap at a funeral procession before. On this side of the border we stand in silence as as a procession goes by. Thanks for posting the video.

Dec 15, 2014 | 10:00 PM

#12

one-up

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 2,022

Likes: 60

From: Greer, South Carolina

I ride with the Indiana Patriot Guard. Have for the last 4 years. Stood the flag line for too many KIA's.

Dec 15, 2014 | 10:27 PM

#13

DannyZ71

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 12,653

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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Been on a few emotional missions myself. I Think the one that got to me most was an escort to the Ft. Gibson National Cemetary. As we were approaching the cemetary, cars were pulling over and stopping and this little old gentleman (probably a WWII Veteran) who could barely stand got out of his car, came to attention, and rendered a salute while we all rode past. Couldn't hold back the tears on that one.

Dec 15, 2014 | 10:45 PM

#14

SPRINGER

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From:

I've never had the honor of riding my bike in a funeral procession but I try to show my respect whenever I can. If people think that it's hard to ride in a procession honoring a fallen soldier they ought to try riding in a van, with other family members, that was in a very long procession honoring their son that was KIA and seeing the throngs of people, young and old, that stood at attention or saluted while they went by. I only wish that I had thought about the motorcycle escort when my son was KIA.

Dec 15, 2014 | 11:16 PM

#15

MajorKG

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 2,232

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From: San Antonio, Texas

My condolences Springer, truly a hard time.

Dec 15, 2014 | 11:27 PM

#16

BuzzCap7

Club Member

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 69,901

Likes: 18,590

From: South Florida

I ride when I can but definitely give quite a bit to a variety of REAL Vet (and non-Vet) organizations.

I give in this order:

1) 1st to vets.
2) 2nd to LEO's (Law Enforcement Officers) Typically to the families of the fallen. E.O.W.
3) 3rdly to firemen.

BuzzCap7

Dec 15, 2014 | 11:32 PM

#17

RickLB

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 422

Likes: 4

From: SC

Condolences Springer.
I have been on several Patriot Guard Missions. As a retired US Army Soldier this is my way to continue to serve.

Last edited by RickLB; Dec 16, 2014 at 01:20 AM.

Dec 16, 2014 | 05:54 AM

#18

Sid1200

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 1,211

Likes: 330

From: Hamilton, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNPGRider

I understand your comment. This was not his funeral procession this was his home coming. We practically shut down the city for his funeral. The video was a small section of our city where he came off the highway the rest of the street looked the same all the way through town.
We have a section of our highway here that is called the highway of hero's where our returning service people are driven down.
This length of the highway is often traveled by a convoy of vehicles carrying a fallen soldier's body, with his or her family, from CFB Trenton to the coroner's office at the Centre for Forensic Sciences in Toronto. Since 2002, when the first fallen Canadian soldiers were repatriated from Afghanistan, crowds have lined the overpasses to pay their respects as convoys pass.
This was done for Nathan and you could not find a space on the overpasses. People waited for hours for him to come by.