Wednesday, 28 February 2007
 

Listen for the rumble, listen for the roar
Contributed by Bill Faith

It's no secret to readers of my old site that I'm a major fan of the Patriot Guard Riders. I participated in one PGR  mission last spring and found out, unfortunately, that my body's just not up to that sort of thing any more. It tears me up a little inside every time I have to pass on another mission, just as it's tearing me up not to be able to be at The Wall next month. Thanks go to Palmetto Silver, whom you met here, for sending me this:

IN HONOR OF ALL OF YOU
Palmetto Silver

Listen for the rumble, listen for the roar
They ride for all that's good and true, cross-country shore to shore
Through the rain, the cold, the heat, it matters not how hard
They ride for honor, for respect; they are the Patriot Guard.

Years ago a war was fought, the vets were scorned and honored not
Now a new fight rages on and once again the land is fraught
With those who would deride and taunt those soldiers noble and true.
They mock the cause, they mock our land, they mock the red, white and blue

Riders heard, said "Never again. We'll stand and silence this sound
Of those who bring disrespect to solemn, sacred, blood-stained ground"
They gathered flags and on bikes they rode to quell the evil chant
In honor could the families grieve;  rumbling engines drowned the rant.

Listen for the rumble, listen for the roar
They ride for all that's good and true, cross-country shore to shore
Through the rain, the cold, the heat, it matters not how hard
They ride for honor, for respect; they are the Patriot Guard.

In every state across the land one can hear of this brave group
Some are past soldiers, others not, but they are a blood sworn troop.
To honor, respect those who serve with an honor mission ride
No fame desired, they lay low, the Soldiers their one source of pride.

Listen for the rumble, listen for the roar
They ride for all that's good and true, cross country shore to shore
Through the rain, the cold, the heat, it matters not how hard
They ride for honor, for respect; they are the Patriot Guard.

On bikes, in cars and trucks full bore they come with one cause in mind
To honor a soldier for service true, and in that call they find
Freedom's light is shining still oer all this vast America land.
God bless you all as you serve so well......The Patriot Guard band.

I hope since PGR doesn't provide permalink addresses for things on their site they'll forgive me for copying this in it's entirety:

Official BoD's Position on the Gathering of Eagles

Hello Folks,

This is the official response of the Board of Directors of the PGR in response to the Gathering of Eagles scheduled to take place on 17 MAR 07 at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

We urge our members to follow their conscience and participate in this event if that is your desire as an individual. In regards to your PGR gear, that is yours, wear it proudly and as you see fit. It is not our place or desire to dictate what our members wear - nor where they wear it.

This event is not a Patriot Guard Riders mission; however, it is an event in which our members are urged to participate as to their own individual desire. The organizations rallying this endeavor are more than capable of organizing this event without the PGR acting in an offical manner. The support of our individual members will surely be welcomed - just as we welcome other organizations that stand with us.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial - or The Wall as it is often called - is sacred ground. It is considered as such by not only the Patriot Guard Riders - but by patriots everywhere. 58,000 American Soldiers are remembered on that majestic granite wall and their memories are part of the foundation of the PGR’s soul. “Never Again” is a term we have all come to know. These words are not hollow in the eyes of the Patriot Guard Riders, nor the Board of Directors that are tasked with guiding the PGR as a national entity. They are the backbone, the soul, and the spirit of an organization that has vowed to all to do what is right.

In closing, support this endeavor as you see fit. Stand in support of the organizations that are rallying to insure no defacement happens to that hallowed ground. Stand for those who stood for US.

Do the memory of those heroes proud who are listed on the Wall. Do the PGR proud by remembering the avenues of respect we practice daily and hold dear our methods of operation. Stand tall and silent my friends as is our custom.

Reverence doesn't scream a rallying cry nor politcal slogan.
Respect doesn't degrade itself to physical confrontation.
And, Honor rises above all.

To quote a reporter from the Chicago Tribune who just witnessed his first PGR mission, "The silence of 200 people holding flags - was deafening." Amen brother. Amen.

Thank You.

http://www.gatheringofeagles.org/ 

Contributed by Bill Faith on February 28, 2007 at 12:37 AM in Caring about our troops, Gathering of Eagles, Palmetto Silver, Patriot Guard Riders, Poetry | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Sunday, 11 February 2007
 

A Gathering of Eagles
Contributed by The Gray Dog

You may notice that for this particular post that there are a lot of 'categories' selected. The problem with BLOGs in general is there are often not enough categories.  For this one, I need to click over 58,000 more. 

By now, you have all heard about the veteran movement to defend the memorials in Washington D.C. on March 17, 2007.  If you are still undecided about making the effort to go, please watch the following:

A Gathering of Eagles: We'll be There!

Contributed by The Gray Dog on February 11, 2007 at 02:58 PM in Caring about our troops, Coming home, Current Affairs, Dem Dumbness, Gathering of Eagles, Music, Patriot Guard Riders, Patriotism, Peacenik Stupidity, Politics, The American Warrior, The Gray Dog, US Air Force, US Army, US Coast Guard, US Marine Corps, US Navy, Video, Viet Nam | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Saturday, 09 September 2006
 

Illinois Patriot Guard Riders Recognized
Contributed by Bill Faith

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn Declares Patriot Guard Day in Illinois
HUNDREDS OF MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ROLL INTO CHICAGO!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2006

(CHICAGO) – Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn declared Saturday, September 9 as “Patriot Guard Day” in the Land of Lincoln in honor of the Illinois chapter of the Patriot Guard – a diverse group of motorcycle riders whose mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen servicemembers who died in the Global War on Terrorism.

As invited guests of the family, the members of the Patriot Guard shield the mourners from hate groups seeking to disrupt the funeral service. ...

[Read the whole thing]

Contributed by Bill Faith on September 9, 2006 at 10:39 PM in Bill Faith, Patriot Guard Riders | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 25 July 2006
 

Patriot Guard Riders -- A Poem
Contributed by Bill Faith

Gonna apply that "forgiveness principle" again. This is too good to keep and I don't know how to get permission to post it. Please click the button at the bottom of the post for more information about a fine organization. I received this by email; it may or may not be posted somewhere on the PGR site but if it is I can't find it.

Patriot Guard Riders

In the distance before you see them arrive
The thunder of iron horses begin to draw nigh
Bedecked in leather and glowing with pride
A sea of Old Glory attached to each ride

The slow moving caravan of riders on two
Move toward their purpose as they come into view
A mission of honor with red, white and blue
To uphold our freedom, fought for me and for you

Invited as strangers, yet treated like friends
To shield a fallen one as the ceremony begins
Not looking for honor, respect or fame
Just volunteering for duty in a fallen one’s name

So many of us come from miles away
Every mission becomes a soul searching day
Driven by humbleness and a caring heart
Our purpose for one that sets us apart

Some places have crowds that haggle with jeers
Some places are quiet with soft shed tears
All places are solemn with sadness of heart
As we stand at attention and do our part

Protesters are angry at what we proclaim
And try to disrupt and tarnish a name
The air is filled with accusing and hate
As we stand in honor of this given date

We have no problem with them being loud
As the signal is given to drown out this crowd
With ignitions afire, and throttles revved high
No other words heard as they silence their cry

We hold our flags high in the formation line
Providing salutes for the very last time
The sound of taps playing, our eyes will leak
Feeling no shame as tears roll down our cheek

A contentment of pride flows within one’s soul
As each individual accomplishes their goal
But even one person does not get this done
It’s accomplished by many who all become one

This band of riders, many thousands strong
Band together to right a wrong
Riding against those who would blemish a name
Covering the innocent, those without blame

So steadfast we remain for the purpose at hand
For the fallen and family, proudly we stand
No other purpose but to protect and shield
In honor of those who died in the field

As we continue to be the invited guests
We eagerly look forward to all the requests
Honoring the fallen, we’re shielding providers
To family and loved ones, we’re the Patriot Guard Riders

July/2006
LJ

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 25, 2006 at 11:27 AM in Bill Faith, Patriot Guard Riders, Poetry | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Friday, 21 July 2006
 

Why Do We Ride?
Contributed by Bill Faith

One useful piece of wisdom I picked up from a fine NCO whose identity I'll protect was "Sometimes it's easier to get forgiveness than permission." In this case I wouldn't know how to go about getting permission, so I'll have to hope for forgiveness, that PGR and the author of this work will view my post as free publicity and not a copyright violation.

Rurik, 1stCav and I have all participated in Patriot Guard Rider missions and will, sadly, probably participate in more before the smoke clears. [Dogs, if I'm missing anyone please email me so I can update your bio.] Please click the link at the bottom of this post for more information about a fine organization. There's also some related information here on my old blog.

Why Do We Ride?

Why do we do this, you ask?
Why bother to stand out in wind and rain for someone unknown?
Why do we ride through torrents chilled to the bone?
The answer is simple:  “Because, Never Again!”

Never again will they return home in shame,
Never again will wearing their uniform cause them pain.
Never again will we forget why they serve.
No, Never Again.

But still I hear you say “Why does it matter to you?”
“They aren’t your friends,
your brothers, your sisters,
your father, your mother.”
War is a sad time for many; it is sad but true.
So, why do you gather in the gap between their families and their foes?
The answer is simple:  “Because, Never Again!”

Never again will grieving parents, families and friends alone bear mourning’s toil.
Never again will hard-won freedom of speech be used to debase and destroy.
Never again will their sacrifice be dishonored upon their home soil.
No, Never Again.

Why do we gather, why do we ride?
Why travel this country far and wide?
We remember our grandfathers, fathers, brothers and others yet to come.
We stand proud through tears reflecting their courage and pride.
Because, Never Again.

That’s why we ride.

Written in memory of:
Henry C. Barrows ~ Army, WWI (Great-Uncle)
Cecil A. Bray ~ Army paratrooper, WWII (Father)

In honor of:
Garrett C. Bray ~ Navy, Viet Nam (Brother)
Donald A. Dinsmore ~ Marines & Army (Husband)
and
All Patriot Guard Members

Laurel B. Dinsmore   May 8, 2006

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 21, 2006 at 08:49 PM in Bill Faith, Patriot Guard Riders | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 11 July 2006
 

Of Patriots, Angels and Big Bad Bikers
Contributed by Bill Faith

Godspeed MSgt. Maholic
Laurie, Soldiers' Angels New York

What I have found is that it does not get easier with each passing mission I attend with the Patriot Guard Riders. Friday I drove 2 hours to stand shoulder to shoulder with other patriots. Many who are members of PGR, some new members of PGR of just a day who had read about us in the previous days' news. Many people from Bradford and surrounding areas came out and stood with us as well.

It was a gorgeous summer day in the northeast, I thought about this man as I drove through the green hills and valleys, past freshly mown hay fields, and yes, even amber waves of grain. I thought about the freedoms we enjoy here that at times we even take for granted. The freedoms that men like Thom fought and died for.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the uninvited guests did show up there. I did not personally witness any of that, by the time I arrived there was already a large number of patriots on line doing what they do. I found a friend from a previous mission and stood on line with her. Someone who was helping with the service brought the guest book around to each and every one of us on the line. The page I glimpsed had people from several states and Canada. I would hazard to guess that each of them felt as I do, that a tank of gas and a few hours of my time is the least I can do.

[Read on here.]

I've only been on one Patriot Guard Riders mission so far -- I won't be able to again till it cools off -- but it touched me deeply. Rurik and 1stCav tell me the missions they took part in affected them the same way. You don't have to be a biker, or a veteran, or anything else special to join PGR. Won't you consider joining and being someone special?

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 11, 2006 at 12:00 AM in Bill Faith, Patriot Guard Riders, Soldiers' Angels | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 04 July 2006
 

Goodbye To A Hero -- Pictures (An STV Classic)
Contributed by Bill Faith

[Originally posted here on Small Town Veteran.]

Continued from Goodbye To A Hero. Echo9er has background information here.

CH-47 Missing Man Formation. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Donaldson died in the co-pilot's seat of a CH-47:

(Continued "below the fold")

The above two pictures were taken at the very end of Chief Donaldson's funeral. Everything from here down is in chronological order.

The first thing I saw as I exited I-70 at Altamont Tuesday evening.  btw, that's my car on the left with the large flag stickers in the back side windows.

The hearse bringing Chief Donaldson's body home took the same exit I did, drove up through Altamont and turned on U.S. 40 toward Effingham. The Patriot Guard Riders in attendance were waiting in a church parking lot right across from the above sign and fell in behind the hearse as it passed.

Not an uncommon sight at all on the drive through Altamont , Effingham, or anywhere in between.:

Also common as we passed through the countryside:

The Effingham Fire Department shows its respect at the funeral home:

A few scenes from our Friday Morning assembly point:

We traveled from there to a church parking lot about a third of a mile from the funeral location and walked from there:

Looking toward the church from the side of the road the phelps-slime was restricted to. I'm about 50 feet farther north than they were allowed.

Looking south from the same spot:

The slime is back through there somewhere. Couldn't prove if from my location. The church is straight behind me, about three times as far from it as I am. You'll note that after most of the mourners had passed by and the slime showed up the Riders lining the highway turned their back on the slime and faced the church.

Looking back toward the church from part way up the short drive to the cemetery shortly before the end of the funeral service.

I don't do caskets-and-mourners pictures -- I know we can count on the MSM to keep doing a fine job of that -- so the picture above was the last one I took except for the two at the top of this post.

There are more pictures here on my Photobucket site, but nothing that isn't similar to something above. There are also pictures and links scattered through the discussion threads here and here. I swiped the picture below (That's me closest to you with the coffee.) from this site for instance.

This will not be my last PGR mission but from now on I'm going to have to recognize my limitations. I'd have been fine without that walk from where we parked to the funeral but I should have known better than to think I could do that and not have problems. Next time I promise to be smarter.

***

Promoted from the comments 2005.06.21

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Great picures and report Bill. Thanks for your efforts and your attendance. Yes, limitations, as we grow older, our bodies betray us, while in our minds we sometimes forget that.

My best wishes go to Chief Donaldson's family and my thanks and respect for his service and sacrifice. My thanks also for his community.

Papa Ray

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Excellent photos. If I could figure out how to trackback I'd do it but will put a link to this post in my blog instead.

Chuck

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Bill,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the Patriot Guard. I only hope that the Donaldson family realizes all the people that are behind them in this time of sorrow.

Rose
Ride Captain
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Donaldson’s Mission
Rest in Peace dear Christopher

Rose Connolly

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I just want the family and friends of CWO Donaldson to know I did not know Chris but I will never forget him or how I wanted so bad to be there to honor him . I own a business and it just did not allow me to be there. Memorial day 2002 I tattooed Never forget 9-11 on my arm . I intend to honor him and all the great soldiers like him in the same manner. Let him rest in peace . Thank You CWO Donaldson.

Joe Tracy

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Contributed by Bill Faith on July 4, 2006 at 03:20 AM in Bill Faith, Patriot Guard Riders, STV Classics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack