I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to all the Patriot Guard Riders.

While all of us our wrapped up in our lives, you are going out and providing a great service

There will be a special get into Heaven express line for great altruistic people like The Patriot Guard Riders

 

First off I am not a veteran, but have deep regrets of not joining military out of H.S. No better honor to serve this great country in my opinion. I will be joining the PGR, and honoring those that served and are serving. Thank you to all the veterans, and active members.

 

Thayne, there will be some very deep feelings on every mission. The feelings of honoring a Hero for one last time. Both young and old, they are all our Heroes.
I always marvel at the pride shown by the family. Sometimes the color guard and us are the only ones other than a friend or two attending.
Sometimes the missions are great because we get to welcome home our troops and sharing that with their families ! Good times !
Then there are the times we get to honor the Gold Star families. It brings back some very strong feelings, but all done to thank and honor our Hero and the family.
Working with the PGR is one of the best honors we can have. Join us and enjoy your time honoring our Heroes !
Here is something I found that pretty much sums it up:

From Patriot Guard Riders of Nevada

My last ride on Earth…..As I lay here waiting for my last ride from here to the cemetery, I look around, no family or friends. No one weeps for me, no one says good-bye. My last few years were in a nursing home. I’ve outlived most of my friends and family. The ones that are still alive are too old to make it out. So now I am all alone with no one.

As they carry me out to the hearse I hear someone yell,” Patriot Guard, ATTEN HUT!,,,, PRESENT ARMS!” Who are all these men and women in black leather jackets, vests and gloves? Why do they salute ME? I am no Hero; all I did was serve my country while in the Military. I’m just another American soldier who did my part.

Now I hear Motorcycles, I see flags flying as they escort me. As they carry me to my final resting place, these people stand in the cold and the rain with flags at their sides. I hear the Military honor squad with a three volley gun salute, and then a bugle sounds Taps.

Silent prayers are being said, yet I hear every one. I see tears running down their faces as they tell me Good-bye. I am not alone; I have friends and family with me, My Patriot Guard Family

Proud to be a very small part of this great group of patriots.
Welcome

 

The hardest missions are the ones honoring your friends....but what better way to honor them then to ride with them on one last journey together....their last journey. I've R/C'd two so far. November 7, 2019 is my third...

 

Looking forward to honoring. Going on my first mission this Saturday!!!!

 

I agree with so many people on this forum about Patriot Guard. The one comment I would make is that from on personal experience, some of the Patriot Guard riders need to look more professional. I am not saying suit and tie. What I am saying is, please wash your clothes and hair. Look like you didn't sleep in your clothes before you came. I realize the Harley look is sometimes different than what you would see in the business world, but if you are attending a funeral, consider that your appearance will have a lasting a profound effect on the family of the Veteran/Service member you are there to honor. If it were your family member, you would want them to look nice. This isn't to say your efforts aren't appreciated, they most certainly are. It takes a lot of time and effort to participate in these activities and you need to know your efforts are deeply appreciated.

 

PGR is a bit more relaxed, when we do a funeral as Legion Riders we wear black jeans, white shirt and our vests as our "Uniform".

But given a choice of having someone show up "In Uniform" or not show up at all, I'll take the dirty biker that shows up.

 

There doesn't have to be a uniform. But we ask each member at the introduction to the group to at least try to have clean clothes. Most everyone that can afford a motorcycle can set aside a few bucks to shop at a goodwill store. It only takes a little to show self respect and respect for others.

While we let everyone do the escorts, they don't have to have a bike nor even a flag. We supply the flags for those that can't afford or maybe new and learning.

We try to never mention the clothes other than at the introduction to the group, but when the person is with others with the accepted dress they always end up falling in line with anything close. At least clean.

We have some "1%ers" die hards (some can can pass for a bucket of grease. LOL !) that can find clean clothes. Anyone and everyone is welcome, but have some pride by the second or third round !

 

I'm invited to a PGR event today. Hope it's "ok" if I ride a Triumph. (I could ride my Husky, but it's kinda LOUD.)

Anything protocol I need to be wary of?

I'll get to the rendezvous location early to inquire.

Lastly, I hope they were kidding about the rubber gloves and KY jelly!

PS~ On a serious note. I was never in any branch of the military. I'm presuming there may be some saluting at the service. What is the proper protocol response for a civilian that is inadvertently saluted? I want to do this right.

 

This is why it is important for you to find a Mentor. They wear Royal Blue hats. They will give you written info for your state.

As far as what bike you ride... no one cares, just ride. When you do #1 rule is to keep your hands on the bars. It will be easy to wave at a bystander or LEO. Don't do it. Ride 2 seconds behind in a staggered pattern. Keep up and stay in the lane and you're good. Top speeds when in an escort will be 40 - 45 mph funeral speeds.

You don't need a bike or a vest to join the PGR but it's more fun with them. Enjoy the fellowship and stand with respect.

-W