Who could have known? Who could have known that riding an obnoxiously loud motorcycle, and holding an American flag could stir so much emotion. I have been riding for nearly 40 years, never to give much thought (or cared too much) about what others thought. I have just always felt “right” on a motorcycle, probably my grandfather’s fault as a motrcycle racer in the early 1900’s. Below is an account of my second Patriot Guard ride, this time it was not a funeral, but a troop send-off. It was quite awesome!

We rolled onto the armory grounds as the troops were already in formation, with their families and loved ones gathered nearby. The reception we got as we rumbled past the crowd was totally unexpected by me. The families were cheering, and proud smiles spread across the soldiers’ faces. After dismounting and gathering up our hand held flags, we approached the troop formation at which time our ride captain presented the commanding officer with a Patriot Guard Riders flag. He made it perfectly clear that he was only loaning them the flag, and wished to have it returned to him personally upon their return home after their tour of duty. After this, we created aisles of flags at the entrance to each of the buses, and were fortunate enough to be able to shake the hands and say a few words to each soldier. As the busses rolled out of the parking lot, we lined the exit way, again with flags held high, to bid adieu with waves and salutes.

As we stowed our gear, preparing to leave, one family member approached me with tears in her eyes. She wanted to thank me and express her appreciation for our show of support. I was stumbling over my words almost in shock as I tried to explain the converse, that we were grateful for what their sons, dads, moms, daughters, husbands, and wives were doing. That they were the ones we were here to honor, and show our appreciation for our freedom. Hopefully they will all return safely, and they too, may join up with the Patriot Guard Riders as this movement FOR AMERICA steadily grows, showing just why we are the greatest nation on earth. Let the whiners, and complainers, stand in the background for once!

Who could have known, that riding my bike could actually help to make a difference!

Rick