Patriot Guard

The night slowly turns to dawn as the sunrise crawls cautiously over the barren black path. Calm embraces the moment as a gentle breeze quietly ruffles the landscape. The air is crisp and chases the warmth from the skin. Off in the distance a rumbling can be heard, stirring both creature and man alike. All eyes face the East in preparation of the suns warming embrace. And yet the rumbling grows ever louder and breaks the eerie silence. And from the East a glint of light breaks the horizon. Dancing in unison with the sunlight as it shatters the darkness. And then another glint flickers along the horizon. All too soon the horizon is alive with flashes as the rumble gains strength. And just as quickly the flashes cease and they form a looming shadow cascading through the countryside.

The shadow gains momentum as it descends upon the unknowing people. The rumbling transforms into a dull roar as the shadowy beast advances. The wind carries an ominous odor, familiar yet strange. All eyes are still affixed upon the sun, mesmerized by the shadowy beast emerging from the horizon and the sun devours the crisp air. Nervously they shuffle in place frozen by indecisiveness.

The sun and the shadowy beast close the distance rapidly. Finally from the shadows an image appears, bringing with it a soothing calm for the people. For in this image waves gallantly the colors of red, white and blue. As the beast’s image shatters into fragments, the ten riders began their formation. The ominous smell is quickly recognized as a mix of leather and fuel. The senses are alive and working spontaneously to process all the information. The rumbling increases as these brave guardians of the patriotic brethren thunder past on steel horses. King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table returning triumphant from battle and weary from the ride maintain formation until their ceremonious journey pauses. From this day forward a bond has been forged. Acknowledgement of this bond is unspoken, exchanged only by a hand shake and the familiar gaze within their eyes. A sense of honor and respect envelops the crowd, intensified by each handshake. And when the honor, respect and gratitude is validated, the guardians climb upon their steel horses. As the guardians thunder into the distance escorting their new brethren, the rumble turns into a ceremonious cannonade. The final journey home of our patriotic brethren will be forever engrained within the memories of both fellowships.

From this day to the ending of the world we in it shall be remembered. We lucky few, we band of brothers. For he who today rides by my side and stands by these courageous brethren with me, shall be my brother. And he who rides with foot pegs down, shall forever be embraced by our fallen heroes, patriotic and guardian alike. Let no man paint abstract lectures of this bond nor cast stones upon glass houses. And with this, no man shall break the bond between the guardians and the patriotic brethren.

New Site

Folks...go over and check out the new Indiana Patriot Guard blog. I'll be contributing there as well as DNR.

Posting is light today as I am buried in paperwork. (actually having to work at work sucks ya know) And I used all my pre-written posts already.

Lunch is over....don't whip me again boss! nooooooooooooo...

Understanding the PGR

This appeared on ABC World News Tonight recently.

Parade - Part II

Ok…where did I leave off the last post? Oh yes, revel in my moment of elation. The parade started and I was enjoying the cool breeze from the tailgate. I had two handfuls of candy ready to toss to gleeful children. This won’t be difficult, I thought, as I’m riding and not walking. As we approached the crowd, the ride captain asked that I act as tailgunner, on foot, and toss candy while walking. Not a bad idea since there was another pick-up truck/trailer bringing up the rear. (What I didn’t know was that truck had a hard top cover, ugh) I also failed to realize the parade was approximately 2 miles in length. They don’t call me The Dazed and Confuzed One for nothing.

It wasn’t all that bad walking and tossing candy to the kids. It brought back fond memories of my childhood. And it had been over 20 years since I’d been to a parade. As the parade progressed, the roaring of the bikes became background noise. Tossing candy to the older kids and handing suckers to the toddlers filled a void. Handing candy to elderly folks that accepted with enthusiasm and which obviously brought them joy. It’s not very often that anyone can bring joy to strangers by the simplest of means.

What filled my soul with joy and amazement were the military personnel watching the parade that shook each riders hand and thanked them as they rode past. I made a point to shake each ones (military) hand also, thanking them for their dedication and service. I lost a nephew in Iraq back in February 2006 and wished to gawd that I'd had known about the Patriot Guard Riders. Issues would've been dealt with simply and respectfully. The only saving grace that day at Arlington National Cemetery was the weather conditions. I'm sure that deterred some protesters and delayed allot of them traveling. Its one point to participate in an activity and it’s another to be thanked and appreciated openly. As we made our way down Main Street, we approached the announcer’s table. I barely heard them announcing the Patriot Guard Riders above the roaring and ensuing crowd applause. As we rounded the corner, it seemed the parade went faster. I was having troubles keeping my tailgunner position and that’s when I realized the tailgunner pick-up had no room for me. I quickly fell behind and timidly assumed a support role. Next thing I knew, I was 4 blocks behind and no chance to resume my tailgunner position.

Needless to say, I was last man back to the staging area and winded. We sat around for 30 minutes or so, thank gawd, and talked about the day’s event. I was thanked by most of the riders and informed I could assist them anytime. I’m even contemplating joining the PGR in a support type capacity. As I talked with one rider, he stated it was nice doing events like the parade. Most events they attend are solemn and needless to say, depressing. It was their way to let off some steam, enjoy a good days ride and revitalize the camaraderie they all appreciate. These riders are dedicated to their cause and have the utmost respect for our military personnel that give a little and those that gave their all. I for one, have a new respect for the Patriot Guard Riders. And I will venture to say, the community has gained a new appreciation and respect for these Patriot Guard Riders. Thank you Pinky and DNR for allowing me to participate in this event. An event that will be a cherished memory.

“We must build a new world, a far better world - one in which the eternal dignity of man is respected.” ~ Harry S Truman

Only a Biker knows...

...why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.



I've always thought that motorcycles are the best therapy, a lot cheaper than psychiatrists. I used to own a motorcycle, in my younger days, and still have that burning desire for the open road. Although we were a cultural mixture of riders and not even closely resembling a biker group, we still shared the camaraderie. And this past weekend was no exception. Good friends of mine (Pinky and DNR) belong to the Patriot Guard and I always keep abreast of their events. I always hear of good times, people and food. They invited me to attend a Summerfest Parade in North Manchester, Indiana. The local event planners had asked the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in their parade to help honor the military personnel of past, present and future.

As I stated in my other post, I was apprehensive at first but that feeling quickly dissolved minutes after our arrival. Yes, I’ll admit, it was a little overwhelming arriving at the staging house with 20 or so motorcycles parked out front. Seeing most everyone in leather and riding apparel left one’s imagination to run wild. However, after many introductions I felt at ease. Each introduction was accompanied by a smile, firm handshake and a respectful “look in the eye”. And all the introductions were warm and genuine. Of course I was the outsider…but it didn’t remain that way for long. I was asked to participate in the parade. I had two responsibilities; 1. Throw candy to the kids and 2. Make sure the riders were safe and hydrated. Easy enough…ride in the pick-up truck leading the procession and make sure everyone has a good time.

As the parade assembled at the high school, the Patriot Guard Riders opened the trailer and handed everyone Old Glory. We were asked to line the street and present the Stars and Stripes to the local VFW float. What a glorious moment…to see each and every one of the VFW participants stand and salute the Patriot Guard Riders followed by applause from the parade participants.

Apparently I resembled an outsider even mingling with the Patriot Guard. I was christened hastily by an arm band stating I belonged with the Patriot Guard Riders. I’m sure my elation was showing as a picture was taken. I won’t post it here…I’d rather revel in the moment privately, so to speak.

I'll post more later...Part II with more pictures.