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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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alsroadkingclassic 
Posts: 55
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| 03 Jul 2007 7:15 AM |
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I listened to an interesting question and answer last evening but more on that later.
We stood yesterday, in a flag line along with 85 other Patriot Guard members for 19 year young Pfc Antony Hebert. This is a young man gave his all to help protect the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. We stood at his wake for 4 hours while mourners passed by to show the family their respects. Other than taking a few breaks for water, a snack or to use the bathroom we stood. There may have been a few who chatted quietly to check to make sure everyone was doing ok with the hot weather but otherwise we stood quietly.
A lady I know, has been asking me if she could come along on one of our missions. Our schedules didn’t work out until yesterday, but finally it worked out for her to come. My wife couldn’t make it yesterday so this friend of mine left her boyfriend behind for the day and rode behind me on my Harley.
When we arrived home after the mission her boyfriend asked her, “well how was it”?
This lady spent the next few minutes trying to explain, but after a few attempts just said “there aren’t words to describe what I experienced“.
Those of us who stand in the flag lines with the MN Patriot Guard Riders understand some of what she was trying to say. Let me do my best to add words.
You have to understand this was a Sunday afternoon before July 4th. Any one of us on the flag line could have been doing a number of other things like fishing, boating, biking or just relaxing on this 85 degree weekend. But we felt a need to stand in the sun, most of us wearing leather, as biker do, holding a 3 foot by 5 foot American flag. We felt a need to be there to show our honor and respect to the family and other mourners who passed by us. The people in the Patriot Guard flag lines sometimes get a “thumbs up” and sometimes “we love what you are doing” or a simple “thank you” from people passing by.
What many people probably don’t understand is that we get more back than we give. It is a feeling like this friend of mine said; there are not words to describe. We get the feeling of giving without wanting anything in return. Can you imagine going to a funeral and asked to get paid for it? We can’t either.
It is an unbelievable feeling of Patriotism that we experience when a family member or a member of the military comes around thanking each of us. I have seen some walk to thank each of 500 bikers for being there. We love getting that thanks, but that isn’t why we do it.
We do it because we love this country. We love the military personal knowing what they are sacrificing for us, and for the families of the fallen and wounded soldiers. There are some very bright and energetic young people who are losing their lives. They left behind parents, brothers, sisters, and friends. Their lives were cut short when they volunteered to serve this country and protect its freedoms. They knew the risk and they felt a need to be there for their country. There are many other young families greatly impacted by the war. A young spouse with children worrying about their spouse serving, small children wanting mom or day back home, or parents worrying about their sons and daughters fighting for us.
We the Patriot Guard Riders appreciate these people. It isn’t about us at all, it’s about them. You would have to stand in a flag line to understand the “there aren’t words to describe what I experienced“ comment made by my friend. Come stand with us.
God Bless America and God Bless the Armed Forces and their families.
Stand down Spc Hebert and Rest in Peace.
Al DeKruif
Mankato ARC
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dragonman
Posts: 156
Big Lake, Mn. 55309
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| 03 Jul 2007 11:17 AM |
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Though it may be late, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to SPC Hebert's Family, friends, and also his fellow Troops.
To SPC. Hebert I wish to say, THANK YOU for standing in dangers path, for me and my family.
Godspeed, Sloldier, and rest in peace knowing you will not be forgotten. |
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"Our good works are like stones cast into a pool of time: though the stones may disappear, their ripples extend to eternity". Anonymous
"Dragonman" Dan Robertson
St. Cloud Sector |
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dhunter
Posts: 23
Ramsey, MN
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| 03 Jul 2007 11:45 AM |
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| I'd like to echo what Al said above. After the mission yesterday, I decide to take the long way home, and do a spin through good ol' 'Sconny. I stopped for lunch at the Dairy Queen in Prescott, and while I was waiting for my food, an older gentleman wearing an Air Force cap tapped me on the shoulder, and thanked me for being in the PGR and for all that we do. All I could do was mutter a "thank you" back. I get so tongue tied at times like that. I feel so humbled at missions, and appreciate the thanks we get, but never quite feel like I deserve any of it. I can never adequately express my thanks to the families, friends and comrades of the fallen. |
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live2ride55
Posts: 96
Eden Prairie, MN
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| 03 Jul 2007 12:38 PM |
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| Towards the end of the cemetary internment a reporter for the local newspaper was standing behind me watching the ceremony. At the conclusion, he watched as the VFW color guards, fire fighters and military honor guards were dismissed. Watching as the Patriot Guard remained, the reporter was curious why the Patriot Guard stood fast and held the flag line. I explained to him why we hold the line until the last of the family has departed. He was visibly impressed. Once the color guards had departed and the only sound at the cemetary was the sound of flags waving in the breeze, he leaned over to me and told me "you guys (the MN PG) will never know how much of an impression you've left with this community. With the memorial service yesterday and your presence here today, you've really touched the people of this town.......they will never forget." He shook my hand, said thank you and went to write his article. |
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Sgt. Phil Pesheck
Law Enforcement Coordinator
Minnesota Patriot Guard
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David "Doc" Shaw
Posts: 418
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| 03 Jul 2007 5:28 PM |
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My sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of SPC Hebert, a true American hero! Rest well my brother!
To the MN PGR:
You guys sent this hero out with great honor and respect. I heard about this mission all the way down here in Virginia (DC Area). A friend of mine was home in MN for a family reunion and his family being from the area attended. You all impressed the heck out of my friend's family as they had never experienced the PGR first hand. We need a PGR call of some sorts but for now I will give you all a big Army Hoooooah! You make me proud to be a part of this brothers and sisters! |
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David "Doc" Shaw, '07 Harley-Davidson FLSTC
www.VirginiaLegionRiders.org
Member Northern Cherokee Tribe of Missouri and Arkansas
11B Infantry - 46Q Journalist
US Army National Guard and US Army Reserve
1983-1989, 1999-2007
Semi-Pro Photographer
Freelance Photographer/Writer
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bezzer
Posts: 136
La Crosse Wis.
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| 03 Jul 2007 10:37 PM |
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It is hard to put into words the feelings that I have while standing in the flag line. I feel humble, ashamed that I can't do more, proud that I can stand with a group like the PGR and sorry that this didn't happen years ago during Viet Nam. As a
Viet Nam Vet I think of all that died during that war and after and the way people felt at that time. What little I can do now does more good for me than many will ever know. To know that I can pay this small bit of honor to these gallant men and women makes me feel very good. I know it will never make up for those in the past but I know that even after I am gone there will be someone there in the future to make sure there great people are not forgotten. God Bless each and every one of you that give of your time and hearts to honor those that deserve so much more. I went down to the cemt. to set out a flag line around the grave site. This is something that I do with flags that have come from the Memorial Day observance. I then collect the Flags and give some of them to the family as a rememberance on behalf of the PGR. This is my way of thanking the family for letting me help honor their lost member. It is a small thing but something that I feel in my own heart is necessary. For every Flag that I give, I feel that another Veteran has been honored. As I said, it is hard to put into words and I know I may be rambling on but so be it. As best as I can say Thank you one and all for what you do to honor the men and women in and out of the service. God Be With You.
Semper Fi
Gunny |
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Gunny |
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dbley
Posts: 654
Twin Cities
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A10CREW
Posts: 31
Eden Prairie, MN
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| 04 Jul 2007 11:53 AM |
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| We were there Sunday and Monday for the wake and funeral. Monday at the funeral one of the VFW guys who had his back to me asked the man standing next to him if there was a motorcycle gang in town? The other VFW Member of the colorguard chuckled, and said no it's the Patriot Guard. The older gentleman said who? So then the younger colorguard member poked me in the shoulder and said....do you want to tell him? So I explained who we are and he thought that was a very good idea. The entire community was "very" glad to have us there, we did leave quite an impression on them, but in a very good way!
I tried attaching photos again....keep your fingers crossed!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AatmjNu5ZsmLyA¬ag=1 |
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Linda S. Pesheck
A-10 Crew Chief
57th AGS
Thunder AMU
USAF - Nellis AFB (Home of the Fighter Pilot)
**Riding in honor of my son serving in the USMC and in remembrance of Cpl. Benjamin Kopp - 75th Ranger Regiment C Company, 3rd Bn. |
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trident_t150
Posts: 715
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 23 Jul 2007 8:53 PM |
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Here's your working link, Linda
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AatmjNu5ZsmLyA |
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport, where a T33 was erected in memory of my first cousin and best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, who died in service to his country in 1978, and in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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690MedCo
Posts: 4588
Huntington Beach, CA
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| 12 Aug 2007 1:46 PM |
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Thank you SPC Anthony D. Hebert for your service and sacrifice to defend this great country of ours!! Our prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and friends. Without your service, we would not have FREEDOM. You will never be forgotten! Rest in Peace.
Glen & Linda |
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SP4 U.S. Army 1976-1979
Medical Specialist
690th Medical Co (amb)
34th Medical Btn
Ft Benning, GA
U.S. Army Reserve (IRR)1979-1982
Patriot Guard Rider
Leave No Veteran Behind!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
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