|
|
Directory
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patriot Guard Riders Forum
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply.
|
|
| Author |
Messages |
|
Lindy75 
Posts: 113
Dickinson, ND
 |
| 16 Jun 2006 12:52 PM |
 Alert
|
For all who will be attending this mission on Saturday morning: Showing up early would be a good thing. We'd like to be well organized and ready to roll well before 9AM to the church from the staging area. Ideally, we should be there, dismounted, and bearing flags before 9:00.
Anyone who is not riding and wishes to show up may go directly to the church as early as they wish. If you do this, PLEASE REMEMBER: park a significant distance away and walk in. Leave plenty of room for family and friends, as there will be a huge turnout for this funeral. Lining the sidewalks with flag-bearers should be done beginning on the south side of the church first. Once the funeral service commences, it has been recommended by the funeral director that we form honor lines with flags to the north and east of the church sanctuary, where there is a high degree of visibility from inside due to numerous windows. More details on this will be provided at the pre-ride meeting at the staging area.
Please keep in mind that this day is all about Travis Van Zoest and the many loved ones he left behind. Be Diligent about not taking up valuable nearby parking, not blocking driveways, and not disrupting vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
PLEASE BRING YOUR 3' X 5' FLAGS!
Well said, Dan! I would like to emphasize that it is critical we be AT THE CHURCH, BIKES PARKED, AND IN PLACE WITH OUR FLAGS NO LATER THAN 9 AM!!!! Please get up, have your coffee, and get going. Pre-ride briefing will take place no later than 8:30 am.
Randy Lindborg
State Captain |
|
Randy Lindborg
State Captain ND
Patriot Guard Riders
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Never forget who guards the fence in your back yard... |
|
|
Gary12of72
Posts: 17
Bismarck, ND
|
| 16 Jun 2006 1:10 PM |
Alert
|
| After much deliberation, I have changed my plans for Saturday. In my heart I truly feel that I need to be on this ride, so I canceled my other plans and I WILL BE on this ride to honor this HERO. |
|
|
|
|
NormDJ
Posts: 150
Bismarck, ND
|
| 16 Jun 2006 2:54 PM |
Alert
|
CORRECTION:
If anyone who is not riding intends to arrive early to stand and bear flags, please concentrate on the EAST side of the church first, along THIRD STREET.
Again, please don't take up any valuable church parking lot space with cars. However, street parking along Shady Lane should be acceptable.
For those riding, the Bismarck Police Department has secured a city block for us that they will close so we can ride in, park, and exit as a group.
Thanks,
Dan |
|
I won't apologize for being an American! |
|
|
PDDGM
Posts: 1291
Dixon, MO Member #3599 US Navy 1968-72
|
| 16 Jun 2006 8:59 PM |
Alert
|
I will be there, to stand with my Bros and Sisters. Sailor Mom can't make this one, to many miles that last couple of days has taken it's toll on her. I will be leaving Garrison around 5:30 am on Sat, riding almost non stop to the staging area, gotta stop and let Ole Glory out of the covers about Wal Mart on 83..
Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt |
|
|
|
|
Lindy75
Posts: 113
Dickinson, ND
|
| 17 Jun 2006 10:25 PM |
Alert
|
I would just like to congratulate all who made the mission today, you were absolutely awesome! Your behavior was fantastic and we did exactly what we needed to do! Cathy and I returned to the church after the ceremony at the cemetery. We delivered the ride logs to Travis's mother, and conveyed all of our respects to her and the family. She asked that we please pass on to all of you, that the family is very grateful for our presence and involvement. She told us that Travis would be so very proud of us being there. We assured her that Travis lives on in all of our hearts. We are truly proud to be associated with the high class people we spent the day with. You can all give yourselves a big "Thank-You". Also, please pass along our thanks to any and all MC members you may know who supported our mission today. One more thing-Thanks to Gun Bunny for being my Wingman!
Randy Lindborg
State Captain
ND PGR
It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees...
(Sorry Joe, I like it so much, I just had to plagerize it once..........) |
|
Randy Lindborg
State Captain ND
Patriot Guard Riders
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Never forget who guards the fence in your back yard... |
|
|
sgt305
Posts: 3
Minot, North Dakota
|
| 17 Jun 2006 10:39 PM |
Alert
|
| Due to a family wedding and the time, I wasn't able to attend today's funeral in Bismarck, but during the wedding I spoke to my cousin from Bismarck and informed him about the PGR. Hopefully he'll sign up also. During the wedding my heart was saddened by the fact that I wasn't able to participate in this mission and as the late evening news came on I had the clerk change the channel to see one station give minimal coverage. BUT at least they didn't show the protesters, for this I was pleased! It is so impressive to see so many groups showing their colors yet standing next to each other honoring our hero. Rest in peace, brother, for we shall be reunited in the everlasting kingdom of God! |
|
|
|
|
PDDGM
Posts: 1291
Dixon, MO Member #3599 US Navy 1968-72
|
| 18 Jun 2006 5:57 AM |
Alert
|
Dan and Randy, you two are what makes the PGR what it is..It takes
outstanding leadership to make a mission a success and this one was one
of the best I have been involved with. To all that rode the final ride,
you are awesome, the hearse escort was outstanding and the tribute paid
to this American Hero was inspiring to all that attended and saw it.
Randy you're welcome to use the quote any time you want. I am proud to
be a part of the PGR and to know all the PGR members and other riders
from North Dakota.
Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt |
|
|
|
|
Gary12of72
Posts: 17
Bismarck, ND
|
| 18 Jun 2006 7:03 AM |
Alert
|
| I couldn't believe how many bikes showed up. All I can say is "WOW", this was truely an awesome day. It was a perfect day to honor this derserving hero. This was my second mission and I am very proud to be able to say I am a PGR. |
|
|
|
|
USAF-Steve
Posts: 1
|
| 18 Jun 2006 7:58 AM |
Alert
|
I just joined the PGR a week or so ago. The Sgt. Travis Van Zoest mission was my first. I was truly impressed by the number of PGR people. What a fitting tribute to a fallen hero. What truly impressed me was the number of people lining the route to the cemetery, holding flags and saluting the flags carried by the PGR. It really lifted my sprit.
My only regret is that I was not able to participate in the Cpl. Curtis Mehrer mission.
I hope and pray I don't have to go on another mission, but if called I'll be there in a heart beat. |
|
|
|
|
Hardtail55
Posts: 7
Bismarck ND
|
| 18 Jun 2006 8:55 AM |
Alert
|
This is my first post on this forum. I attended the funeral for Travis. Several times during the ride to the Veteran's cemetary I was overwhelmed by the support from the PGR and the community. It is definitely the most intensely proud emotion I've felt in many years. The opposition was non-existent. Kudos to the city for escorting them away the second their 45 minute permit to demonstrate expired....
My heart and prayers go out to his family, as well as everyone else who has lost a loved one in the line of duty.... |
|
Bill Randall
Bismarck ND |
|
|
Kickstand80
Posts: 19
Mandan North Dakota
|
| 18 Jun 2006 8:58 AM |
Alert
|
I want to say Thank You to the families of both SPC. Curtis Mehrer and SGT. Travis Vanzoest for allowing myself and the rest of the PGR the honor of being invited to both services of these American Heroes. I was proud to stand tall with my fellow friends and PGR members in honor of these two fallen HEROES. It is days like these that make me proud to be an American.
Rest in peace Curtis and Travis and my God help in the healing of these two deserving families.
Thank You
Craig Haug
Proud Patriot Guard Member |
|
Stand by our fallen Heroes, It is the right thing to do. |
|
|
NormDJ
Posts: 150
Bismarck, ND
|
| 19 Jun 2006 7:22 AM |
Alert
|
WOW!!! What else can one say, except WOW!!! The turnout was absolutely incredible. 350+ bikes, about 500 people in all is my estimate. We were well organized, well received, and performed this mission in a nearly flawless manner. Nobody coming into the funeral saw anything but patriotic supporters and flags--and LOTS of them! The governor shook hands up and down the line, thanking us for being there. The former mayor of the city spoke with us and thanked us, then went into the church. 3 minutes later he exited the church, went to his car, grabbed flags, and stood proudly with us. The community rallied to show their support and respect in huge numbers. Seeing all those flag-waving sign-bearing people along the processional route caused my sunglasses to spring leaks more than once on the ride. And the procession was truly awesome. Near the head of the pack, several Viet Nam Vet Riders had flags on, and saw to it that nobody filled in beside my bike, leaving an open space for Travis, the missing man formation. The local police briefed us beforehand and let us know exactly what the plan was, and thanked us for doing our job as patriots. And the response from the family...what can I say, except that I was honored and humbled to be part of such an outstanding group. Their appreciation went beyond words and tears and hugs, you could feel it in your heart. Everyone did exactly as we were supposed to do, showing gratitude and respect, and doing it in a huge way. Neighborhood residents offered their driveways for bike parking, as the city block the Bismarck Police closed off wasn't enough. Others came out offering drinks and thanks. The Boy Scouts had a truck with 2 coolers full of soda and water marked, "Patriot Guard Riders help yourselves." Offers of monetary support were made as well, and they were directed to this website. PGR Thunder rolled through the community, flags waving, and in many cases tears flowing as well.
And also, kudos to the local media. They covered this event in the most tasteful and tactful manner. The news stories on TV and in the newspaper were all about Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, his family, and the gratitude and respect of the community. They seemed to understand that Saturday was about Travis, and ONLY about Travis.
THANK YOU to all who showed up, to all who helped organize, to Travis' family for inviting us, to the law enforcement entities, and to the community. Special thanks to Randy, "Schmooder", Michael, Lane, Steve, "Cutter", Butch, and especially Joe. Without that help and guidance, it couldn't have been the huge success that it was.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. May God hold Sgt. Van Zoest in His loving arms for eternity, and give comfort to his loved ones left behind on Earth. |
|
I won't apologize for being an American! |
|
|
dbeesh
Posts: 87
Bismarck, ND
|
| 19 Jun 2006 8:35 AM |
Alert
|
My wife, Wanda and I were honored and completely humbled by our experience as new members of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Travis Van Zoest funeral. We had plans to leave town earlier that day, but put them off as soon as we learned of the PGR and the Van Zoest mission.
When we first arrived at Northbrook Mall at 0800, we were impressed with the number bikes already at the staging area. We registered and talked to several attendees. As time went on, many more bikes arrived.
I was very impressed with the how well organized the event was. A big salute to our leadership, Dan Johnson, Randy Lindborg and Joe Smith. The briefing period before we rolled was thorough and to the point. Randy Lindbor briefed us on the details of the mssion and Joe Smith gave a very moving and inspirational prayer before the ride.
The move from staging to the Corpus Christi church was smooth, but because of the number of bikes the cordoned off area was cramped and the bikes completely filled the one block area and other streets.
We positioned ourselves between the 2 adult and four children protestors and the east church entrance. Flags were held high in front of the protesters and a line of 3X5 flags were stationed at the church side curb. Many other supports stood with us, and we thank them.
Whenever a uniformed military or governmental personnel approached the Patriot Guard and supporters clapped. Governor and Mrs. Hoeven came into the crowd to thank us. ND National Guard Adjutant General Haugan shook our hands and thanks the supporting crowd. US Congressman Earl Pomeroy shook a few hands before going in.
The protesters stayed from 0915 – 1000, the permit allowed time, and left with police escort. We repositioned to the west side of the church, until the service was over. Eight bikes with mounted 3X5 flags were selected to escort family to the Veteran’s Cemetery, . two in front and six behind.
A lady from the church came out and invited all of us to have lunch after we returned from the cemetery. I told her there were a lot of people, and she said they ordered enough food for an additional 1000 people!
When the time arrived, we moved in an orderly fashion from the parking area around the east side of the church, east over to Fourth St, south down to Boulevard Ave. We traveled west over to Washington Street, down to south Rosser Ave and west across the Memorial Bridge to Mandan. The sides of the route were full of people, holding flags and signs, hands on their hearts, some saluting, many with tears in their eyes. It was the most moving experience I have had since my son graduated from boot camp at Fort Knox, KY a year earlier.
Riding from Mandan south to the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, I was taken aback by how long the processional of motorcycles was. I would guess it was almost a mile line, two-abreast. Estimates I heard was about 250 bikes.
We arrived at the cemetery, rounded the driveway and parked our bikes. We solemnly stood as the funeral party arrived. The casket, family, priest and honor guards moved to the center pavilion under the US, State, and Travis’ NDNG Company flag. I stood riveted as they lifted and folded the flag from the casket and presented it to the Adjutant General and then one each to the mother then the father. A 21 gun salute was given, the crowd left in respect of the family as they retreated into the chapel for personal time.
We returned to Corpus Christ for lunch and were warmly greeted the people who approached us, thanking us for our attendance. One lady asked how many protestors there were, and I responded that I wasn’t aware there were any at all (wink, wink).
I know this was lengthy, but I am honored to be a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. I will proudly display their colors on my jacket, on my bike and my cars. I am ready for future missions in our area. God bless the USA, the President, his staff, the military and their mission, the families of the fallen, all the Patriot Guard Riders, supporters and leadership. I also pray for the protesters to see the error of their ways, repent of them, and follow the way God truly wants all of us to act.
Wanda and Daniel Biesheuvel
Bismarck, ND |
|
Daniel and Wanda Biesheuvel-Bismarck ND
Member/}
@###{X]PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS:>
Forever\}
"No greater Love has one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. - Ecclesiastes 3: 1,3,8
Give honor and respect to all those who it is due - Romans 13:7
|
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
|
|
ActiveForums 3.6
|
|
|
|