Many of us feel the country is in turmoil. What is our government doing? Where are we headed? What’s happening with the economy and what about our health care? Political wrangling and speech that requires interpretation and decoding to determine what is being said, is a daily occurrence. All the while, our troops continue the fight overseas, and families kiss loved ones goodbye quietly wondering if they will ever see them again. In some cases, they will not.

With a knock on the door by two uniformed servicemen, a family is shattered. But in the ready stands the most amazing group of people whose sole purpose is to bring honor and respect to the fallen, and the family they’ve left behind. They are the Patriot Guard Riders.
It has become a common sight to see military funerals accompanied by dozens of flag bearing motorcycles. With the rumble of the Harley and riders with long hair, beards, tattoos and leather, one could easily be intimidated by them. No need however, for these men and women of the Patriot Guard are among the most genuinely loving, caring, selfless and big-hearted people you will find anywhere. For they have determined to stand for those who stood for us.

The group emerged about four years ago when protesters began showing up at funerals of servicemen and women who were killed in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. These bikers, many of whom are veteran’s themselves, had two objectives; to show their sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families and communities, and shield the grieving family from interruptions created by protesters. Now, approaching 200,000 members nationwide, you will find Patriot Guard Riders escorting the hearse and standing flag lines for service members old and young. Whether a WWII veteran or from OEF, it makes no difference. PGR when invited by the family, will be there. Thankfully, occurrence of protesters at military funerals has declined, but the Patriot Guard is bigger and stronger than ever.

A few days ago I had the distinct honor and privilege to accompany the PGR on a “mission.” Although the fallen Marine was buried a few weeks before in California, his grieving parents in Utah were trying to cope with the tragic loss of their son on the battlefields of Afghanistan. About 25 PRG riders arrived in front of the home of the fallen Marine’s parents, quietly and respectfully assembled and presented the new Gold Star parents with flowers, and a flag that had been flown in their son’s honor. The family, still in shock, was overwhelmed by the love being shown them by this group of hardened looking men and women, all with tears running down their faces. As the mother cried out “my son, my son” through her sobs of grief, I stepped forward and held her tight. Being the mother of a fallen Marine myself, I knew the pain she was feeling. The PGR assured the family that in the loss of their son, they had gained hundreds of people who would be there for them no matter what, no matter when. Their family had grown. That day the PGR made a difference in the lives of a grieving family. They gave them a memory that will be cherished forever and provided comfort they will carry in their hearts.

Having been on receiving end of the love, kindness, honor and respect the PGR gives, I still find their selfless service difficult to fully understand. Although it was three years ago the PGR became my angels, they care as deeply as though it all happened yesterday. They never grow weary of caring in the most sincere and heartfelt way.

As I joined the Patriot Guard Riders at their annual Gathering of the Guard last weekend in Ogden, Utah, I met dozens of members from across the nation. Many I met, with tears filling their eyes, recounted stories of their first mission or one in particular that changed their lives forever. I was struck by the sincerity of their hearts, for they live their motto, “standing for those who stood for us”.

As a matter of coincidence, the day my son was killed in Iraq, but before I had been notified of his death, I visited the PGR’s website. I said a prayer of thanks that I did not need their services. Only ten days later PRG stood the flag line for my son and over one hundred motorcycles escorted him to his final resting place. They showed him tremendous honor and respect, and embraced his family as theirs. Three years later they are still here and I know they always will be.