We get asked a lot of times to explain what the PGR is- some think it’s like a motorcycle club, or that you have to be military to be a member. It’s a good thing that’s not a requirement, or Randy and I couldn’t be in it.

If you think standing at attention or saluting when the flag flies by is the right thing to do, then you belong.

If you think our military members, law enforcement, fire fighters and other emergency first responders deserve our respect and thanks for what they do, then you belong.

If you think that our nation is the greatest place on the earth to live, even when you don’t agree with all the things she does, then you belong.

If you think it’s morally wrong to picket or protest at a military funeral, then you belong.

Before the parade yesterday, our state captain, Penguin, briefed us on the lineup for the parade, and the other activities afterwards.  Then one of the other riders told about the impact that the PGR has had on our nation- somewhere out west, a community pulled together when they found out some protesters were coming to their soldier’s funeral. They showed up with flags, and made sure that the space set aside for the protesters was completely surrounded so the family didn’t have to be hurt again. They did this on their own, because they knew it was the right thing to do.  They belong, too.

The folks along the parade route yesterday, who were waving flags, yelling ‘thank you’ to the vets, clapping, cheering and whistling – they belong too. We all belong.

It’s not a political thing, not a religious thing,  there aren’t any dues, you don’t have to do anything;  you never have to attend a funeral; you never have to stand a flag line – you just have to want to show respect for those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for us.

I’m so glad I get to be a tiny part of such a great group.

These flags are displayed every Memorial Day weekend Luverne- it makes for a very stirring tribute to those who have served in the military for our country.

I’m proud to be an American, and most especially proud of our county- it’s great to be from Crenshaw County.

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.

Why is it so hard for us to be so thankful? We as a country have so much to be thankful for.  While we are at war, we are not being attacked on our own soil (at least, not for now).

Our healthcare system isn’t perfect, it’s much better than what many countries have. Even the poorest people in our country have access to basic healthcare.

Our political system isn’t perfect either, but it works pretty well, for the most part. Folks get into leadership positions – and when they don’t do what they say they’ll do, sometimes they get sent back home.

And our economic system isn’t perfect. But I’m glad I live in a place where I can work for what I want, and no one can tell me that there are limits to what I can earn, or what I can buy, if I have the money to do it.

So, I’m thankful to be living where I am.

If you don’t have a reason to be thankful, look around you. If you’ve got a place to live, food to eat and clothes to wear, you have more than most people in the world.

Give thanks in all things!

Yesterday we had Rutledge’s first 4th of July parade. While we only had a few people to come, everyone there had a great time, and we hope to make this an annual event.

We started out with the pledge of allegiance, then everyone lined up behind Mayor Joe Dexter. Randy took his bike to the end of the parade route, and kept traffic from coming into the group, and Jennifer blocked the entrance to the other end of the street.

After we got back to the community center, we spread out blankets under a tree, and while Jennifer poured pink lemonade for everyone, I cut this beautiful cake made for us by the ladies at the Piggly Wiggly.

As I said, we hope to make this an annual event- a very small town in a neighboring county has turned their small-town parade into a large event, usually having at least 200 participants; we may not ever get that big, but I would like to eventually get other towns in the county to participate in some way, and I’d also like to see more of our citizens to come out for it too.

Next year’s route will be a lot longer, Mr. Joe’s dad has said he’d bring his 1947 tractor and wagon along to haul kids, and we’d love to get at least one fire truck in as well.  We may also change the time to later in the afternoon, and cook out hot dogs for everyone too.

Happy Independence Day!

On Wednesday, Aug. 1 2007, I attended my first mission as a PGR member. We honored a fallen PGR member who was also retired Air Force. He was killed riding from one military funeral to another one.

Before we got to the cemetery, I kept thinking ‘I can’t do this’ – since my son and son in law are both serving in the Army, I didn’t know how to handle my feelings. But as I stood on that flag line, sweat running down my back, the sun in my face, gripping the flag pole, trying hard not to cry, suddenly I felt the flag on my left- it brushed my shoulder, and gently caressed my face. The vet who was holding that flag smiled at me and pulled the flag back towards it’s pole. Then they gave the command for us to come to attention – they fired the guns, presented the flags, and the lone rider gunned his engine and rode away, his flag flying.

I could write ten pages, and it would never be enough to tell how that felt – to know I was there honoring someone I didn’t know. The family walking by, saying ‘thank you for being here’ – and all I could say was ‘it’s an honor to be here’…

I’ll never be the same.

I am a very proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders. I’m not proud of what I do, but proud that I’m able to ride with such a wonderful group of folks, who do the right thing, even when it’s not comfortable or popular.
I could describe how it feels to stand at parade rest in the hot sun, holding a flag, honoring a fallen hero, their family and friends while they mourn, but words aren’t enough.
The breeze brushes the flag against your face, tears well up and run down your face, your chest expands til it’s ready to burst, from pride and sorrow and thankfulness to this person who has made the ultimate sacrifice.
My son serves in the military, my son-in-law serves in the military; I’ve had a brother, an uncle, cousins, grandfathers, brothers-in-law who have served in the past; I’m proud of each one of them, and I ride for them.
I’m not pro-war – I can’t imagine anyone wanting to have a war. But, I am pro-America, and I believe the only way we will ever have peace is through strength.
If you’re not familiar with the PGR, please visit the site and consider joining. All they ask is that you have a desire to show respect for our heroes and their families – they don’t care what you ride, or if you ride- just be ready to show respect.