Joining the Patriot Guard Riders, 1st Ride

We assemble to ride to honor a Veteran. The man in the center with his back to us is me in front of our bike with the large flag fastened to the back.

2nd picture, bikers lineup with American flags at the cemetery to honor the Veteran.

I have attended my 1st Patriot Guard ride. One month ago the Patriot Guard rode for the funeral of Army Sgt. David Staats who was killed in Iraq. About 2 weeks later I attended his father's funeral, who was a Veteran. The father was beaten to death when he stopped his bicycle to ask a women if everything was OK as a heated argument seemed to be going on between the woman and a man. The "man" was upset that someone was meddling in his business and beat Mr. Staats almost to death. He died later in the hospital. azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0206wvservices0206.html

I was one of about 200 motorcycle riders who rode in the funeral procession that Thursday. Almost all had American flags flying on the back of our bikes. We rode approx. 15 miles. I saw several Americans along the road, standing with their hands over their hearts as our very long procession passed by. I wanted to say thank you to them for being Patriotic American Citizens. The unfortunate death of the Sgt. and then the senseless death of his father are just heart breaking, but having so many Americans show up to show their respect and support was heart warming.