When Respect For Honor Turns To Beauty
Some might say I had a tear in my eye today but I’m sure it was just the wind.
The Patriot Guard Riders exist to honor those that have honorably served our country as they are laid to rest. As I travel the country I contact the local chapters so that I may continue to participate in that mission. Today I had the honor and privilege of participating with the Arizona chapter for the first time.
I am quickly approaching 100 services (we call them missions) and while each one is special there are a few that stand out. It might be the circumstances of the soldier, ties to our organization, the family and friends. But today it was the PGR members themselves that struck me.
The Arizona PGR is unique. They are the only chapter in the country that have members certified by the police to provide a full escort, lights and sirens blaring, blocking traffic, so that the fallen and their families can receive the honor they deserve on their way to the National Cemetery. I was not prepared for that when I arrived at our briefing.
The procession this morning was nothing short of beautiful. We were laying to rest a man who had honorably served our country in his youth in the military and went on to serve as a police officer, retiring at the rank of Captain.
His urn and folded flag were gently placed in our lead bike. Three of us, myself included, formed in tight formation to the lead bike. His widow, family and friends followed closely behind as 6 certified PGR escorts controlled traffic for the 23 mile journey to his final resting place. Cars traveling in all directions stopped to pay their respects. Pedestrians stood solemnly with hands over hearts. All permitted police Captain and Army SPC Colin Michael Morrison to travel uninterrupted on his final ride.
10 PGR members were awaiting our arrival at the cemetery. We stood in a circle with his family, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing a song to honor all those who serve. The now 20 of us then departed to the shelter to set an honor guard, a ring of flags around the place where his family would hold a brief service and lay him to rest with full military honors.
It was an honor and privilege, as always, to participate in today’s mission. Yes, if I’m being honest I shed a tear. It’s hard not to.
The Patriot Guard Riders are a non political organization open to everyone. You do not need to be a veteran, motorcycle rider or anything else to participate. All you need is a kind heart and a desire to honor those who have served. You may find the contact information for your state chapter at www.patriotguard.org. If you have a loved one that honorably served our country and would like us to participate in their services you will find information on the same link.
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.