Randy and I were honored to be a part of the funeral services for PFC Steven Dorough last weekend. Steven had joined the Army his senior year in high school and would report for duty after graduation. Meanwhile he was training with a local National Guard unit. He was proud to be in the military and wore his uniform often. He encouraged his friends to consider joining as well.

About a month ago, he had seen the PGR during a military funeral and told his dad, “if something happens to me, that’s what I want”. They had no idea it would come so quickly – he was killed over New Year’s Day weekend.

Over 60 members of the PGR, some from as far away as north Alabama, came together to honor Steven and his family.  We escorted his family from the funeral home to the church, then stood a flag line for him. His pallbearers included classmates, members of his unit and PGR members.  Seeing the large number of people who came out during frigid temperatures, it was clear that Steven was a special young man who had touched many lives.

I don’t know how to explain what it feels like to stand in a flag line to honor someone; I don’t feel it’s a duty, but it’s something I’m always glad to do.  It’s an honor to be able to show respect to someone who has given such a huge sacrifice for others, but it’s not only that either.  I’ve never known the person we’re there to honor, but I always feel as if I know them during that time. The best way I can explain it, is it’s a very small way of saying ‘thank you’ to a family who has given so much.

I don’t want anyone to feel I’m using this as a way to pat myself on the back, because nothing could be further from the truth – that’s not what the PGR is about; as we say, it’s not about us, it’s all about them (heroes).  I’d encourage anyone to join – you don’t have to ride a motorcycle, because we always need vehicles to help with the escort. You certainly don’t have to be military, or I couldn’t be a member.  All you have to do is want to show honor and respect to our country’s heroes.

I’ve just had one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had.

After the Luverne Christmas parade and toy run, we pulled back around to the old Armory to put our helmets on, before heading back to the peanut shed for the Biker Appreciation Day.

Randy and I both had our PGR banners on the windshields, and Randy was also flying his American and PGR flags. While we were talking a bit, an older fellow walked up and asked who was riding with the Patriot Guard Riders. I stepped towards him and said that Randy and I both rode with them. He held his hand out to shake mine, and when he did, he put some money in my hands.  He said, “here’s a little something to pay for the next tank of gas; I appreciate what ya’ll do.”

I told him that we really didn’t do anything, and he looked at me and said, “I’m an old Viet Nam vet, and I know that ya’ll keep those scumbags away from our boys’ funerals.”  I told him he was the one who had really done something, but he just smiled at me.

I’ve always considered it an honor to escort a soldier, whether he’s coming home, or whether he’s going to his final resting place.  It always amazes me to have someone thank us for doing such a small thing, for someone who’s given so much.

Last Friday (Oct 9) folks in Alabama gave a long-overdue welcome home to the men and women who served in Viet Nam.  While most of us have already reached out to them individually, I’m glad an event was organized to make it official.

The veterans who rode motorcycles met in the parking lot at Sam’s in Montgomery; they had a police escort from there over to the Farmer’s Market near the Coliseum. Before they left out,  keychains with Viet Nam beads were handed out.

After they reached the Farmer’s Market, they joined up with the rest of the vets, who would be riding golf carts, cars or walking to rest of the parade route. They were also given t-shirts designed for the event, and pins.

The parade was led out by the Huntingdon’s Scarlet and Grey Marching Band.  Lt Gen. Hal Moore (who wrote We Were Soldiers Once… and Young) followed, saluting the crowd as he rode his jeep into the fairgrounds.

Over 85 vets on motorcycles were next, followed by at least that many more on foot or in cars and golf carts.

The outside part of the ceremony included patriotic music and a flyover by a C-130. Then we moved into the Coliseum where we watched as the colors were posted, and a group from the Sons of the Confederacy presented the colors in full costume.

Lt. Gen. Moore spoke on the service that veterans and their families gave to our country, and the Gold Star Mother did a presentation.

The Grace Notes, a singing group from Montgomery, sang a medley of service songs- each branch’s members stood and sang along with their song.

One of the most touching parts of the ceremony had us all standing in complete silence, while five vets brought in a base, military boots, dog tags, a helmet and a POW/MIA flag; these were assembled into a monument for all those who served. These five vets remained at attention while a wreath was laid at the base of the monument.

Echo Taps was played by four trumpeters – that was almost more than I could take.   Everyone remained silent for another few minutes, then the MC invited everyone to stay for the free concert by Yard Dogs. The ladies at Sam’s put together a beautiful 14 foot high cake that was shared by everyone.

Randy and I were so glad to be able to be a part of this- our friend Steve rode up with us, and we were glad to be able to honor him along with all the other men and women who served.

I’d like to say a special thank-you to Paul “Penguin” Reynolds, who played a big part in getting this celebration together-he and the rest of the committee worked very hard to get everything together, and it was an awesome thing.