Clarification on flags:

While you can mount them on your bike, please consider the speed, wind, etc. issues. Recommend smaller-sized flags designed for motorcycles.

The primary purpose of the 3x5 flags w/poles is to hold as part of a flag wall, corridor or line, while dismounted from your bike. Please keep that in mind if you had planned to weld, bolt, superglue, duct tape or otherwise overly secure it to your steed.

Great job Patriot Guard,

Unfortunately, I couldn't break out and take a post shoulder to should with you but from what it sounds like, as usual you've done a tremendous job.

FrankB & Silverback... I hope I didn't let you down.  I'll take on the left foot for the next one.

PFC Ehle... R.I.P.

This was my Fifth Mission; they are all different, yet in many ways they are all the same.

When I attempt to think about the day, I have a kaleidoscope of images running through my mind. Many seem to capture the spirit of the day.  But no one image does you have to look at them all, Even then they only go a small way in discribing the feelings of the mission.

• The incredible amount of organization our Ride Captains, and State Captains must endure to ensure that things go the way they should. And then watching it as it happens.
• New Members arriving at the staging area with that look in their eye that says “I want to be here, but what am I getting into”, and seeing it change as they are warmly greeted and accepted in to the group.
• The look of bewilderment on many drivers faces as the group moves from the staging area to the service as they tried to figure out what was going on.
• The honking of support from passing cars when they see us in the staging area.
• How warmly the Staff of the funeral home greeted us even though they had never dealt with us before.
• The Flag Line out side the entrance to the home with the gap for the guests to pass through.
• Getting tired, thirsty, having to go to the restroom, and not caring because some things need to be done.
• Feeling a little confused because as persons were thanking me, I was trying to get them to understand, "This is and honor for me", and trying to Thank them for allowing me to be there.
• Watching some of the guests peer through the door, trying to understand whom we were, and why were there, and then watching the understanding blossom in the eyes as they are told. And then having them come out to greet us.
• Having the Family take great pains to ensure that every PGR member was greeted, and their thanks were given to each one.
• Having the Minister for the Service come out and greet, and thank everyone.
• Having members of the PGR being asked to be Pall Bearers. And the number of hands that went up.  And the RC/SC having to choose.
• Jeremy’s ROTC Instructor coming out to talk to each person sharing a little about Jeremy
• Having and Army General thanking each one of the PGR individually for what we do, and then for doing it.
• The LOE (Alexandria, and Fairfax County) for the dignified and very capable and professional, escort.
• Shutting down almost 3 miles of interstate for the procession, so that it could move at a dignified rate. (By the way for those of you that do not know. This stretch of Interstate, N495 right before the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is the most heavily traveled road on the East Coast.) In almost 35 years in this area I have not seen this done before.
• Listening to the Truckers on Channel 19 CB talk about what is going on, and who is the procession for, and then speculating that it must be for a general, or something, and then when told “No – PFC Jeremy Ehle, US army died in combat in Iraq”, then listening to the silence that resulted.
• The Army Honor Guard conducting the Graveside services With the PGR standing at the side, with the Flag line.
• The sharp report of the Rifles echoing off the surroundings
• The haunting sound of Taps that brought a sense of closing.

There are many more, and I am sure each of you have your own.  What was important to me is that The PGR was able to provide for PFC Jeremy Ehle a dignified,honorable service - and esure that there would be no interuptions.  The Sincere display of apprciation from everyone at the service was most appreciated and reconfimes for me "We are doing the right thing, for the right reasons!!!!

Jeremy, You demonstrated to all of us what can be done in the face of adversity, and we all appreciate your determination, and your sacrifce.  It was and honor to be a small part in helping show that we Honor your Sacrifce and I have a profound respect for you.

May you Rest in Peace