I want to personally thank Tonya Sumpter, a Stryker mom, of the Somerset Mall staff for inviting the Patriot Guard Riders to "Stand Guard" at the Kentucky Fallen Heroes Wall at the Somerset Mall.  Her efforts to honor Kentucky's Fallen Heroes should be commended.

During the ceremony a local veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) very eloquently read a poem about the Global War on Terror that was very touching.  He also read the name of each of Kentucky's Fallen Heroes while standing in front of the "Kentucky Fallen Heroes Wall."  After he finished reading the names we moved outside the mall where a balloon for each of the Fallen Heroes was solemnly released.

Although our numbers were small today, we still stood the flag line with the same honor and respect as if we had had a greater number present.  There were three PGR members who were present throughout the day.  Thanks to Lee and Cindy Walton for being there with me the entire day.

Ride Captain Tom Felts and his wife joined us before the ceremony started and stayed until the end.  Thank you for riding on the rainy day.

PGR members Kathy Cummins and Kim Gregory joined us for the ceremony also.  It was a pleasure to meet you both for the first time.

Thanks again to Tonya and the PGR members who could make it today.  I'm sure our numbers would have been greater had it not been for other Memorial Day events conflicting with the event at Somerset, but we completed the mission successfully with those who were present.


Respectfully submitted,

Phil Roberts