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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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Yohan 
Posts: 49
SW WI, near New Diggings
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| 19 Jul 2006 10:11 AM |
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| After 500 miles for this mission, I made it back home at 0415. If only we could control the airlines! I thank everyone that made it out last night. I was truley impressed by our showing last night. It was good to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones. Dan, thanks for riding with me most of the way home, it really helped. I won't be able to make the services on Sat. due to a war buddy of mine getting hitched. |
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phaedrus1977
Posts: 62
Kickapoo, IL
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| 19 Jul 2006 10:58 AM |
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Well, I had to miss a few hours of work this morning after not getting back to Kickapoo until after 3:00, but it wasn't the first time, and won't be the last. If by just giving a few hours out of our lives, we can do something for the families of the fallen soldiers and sailors, then we're glad to do it.
Speaking of families, I noticed that there were several families at the rendezvous point in Princeton. To see sons and daughters, grandparents and cousins all attending was a welcome sight. This is all about the families, isn't it? It was also special to see the friends and families of PO1 Tharp mixed in with the riders at the briefing. After all, it's not just the veterans, not just the riders, not just the hometown folks, but everyone who is affected by this loss.
As always, it's an honor to ride and to show our thanks and respect.
The Kickapoo Couple
(BTW, Did our Yamaha rider ever find his key and get home OK?) |
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THE YOUNG DEAD SOLDIERS DO NOT SPEAK
Nevertheless they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts.
They say, We were young. We have died. Remember us.
They say, We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done.
They say, We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave.
They say, Our deaths are not ours: they are yours: they will mean what you make them.
They say, Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this.
They say, We leave you our deaths: give them their meaning: given them an end to the war and a true peace: give them a victory that ends the war and a peace afterwards: give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died. Remember us.
-Archibald MacLeish
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Greg Cote
Son of an Airman, Father of a Soldier
Melinda Cote
Daughter of a Sailor, Mother of a Soldier |
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mojo57
Posts: 54
Granite City, IL.
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| 19 Jul 2006 11:19 AM |
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| Four of us will be heading up Saturday morning from the St. Louis and Merto East area. We will be meeting at the Denny's on hwy 111 in Pontoon Beach, Il. at 07:15 for breakfast. Anyone who wishes to join us please do. We will leave at 08:00 and take 55 north. |
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Marty
"Peace is the highest aspiration for the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or ever." - Ronald Reagan
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dadbowman
Posts: 10
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| 19 Jul 2006 11:58 AM |
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We arrived home at 3:50 am, after 251 miles to complete this mission, dog-tired, but so glad we went.
What a privilege to be with all you PGR guys and gals last night, and to get to visit with many of you - all for the first time. (The only name I remember is "Preach".) You are surely a terrific "bunch". We are very new to the whole PGR program, having only known of it from our 4 sons, Jeff, Greg, Rod, and Mike, who have been involved with you all for some time now. (Our first mission was with all 4 of them in Indiana on July 7 for NamVet Donald Hoskins. In all, we had 12 Bowman's there for that mission.)
This was our second mission, and what an experience. As we read through the messages this morning, we quickly realize that many of you are saying the same things we have been thinking and feeling, and just were not able to put into words. To say how proud we were to be a part of this mission is a huge understatement.
The people of Aledo, and all those who were still waiting along the route to show their respect to Jerry and their support to the family, were at times overwhelming. Our deepest sympathies to the Tharp family.
Dadbowman and Mombowman |
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bogiediver
Posts: 389
Woodstock, IL
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| 19 Jul 2006 1:08 PM |
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This is why I do what I do with the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR)...
Last evening/night (Tues, 7/18), I was on a PGR mission, escorting the hearse with a fallen SeaBee and his widow from O’Hare to Aledo (Iowa Border, near Quad Cities).
Flight in with the body was 2 hours late, then the hearse driver got misplaced from the airport to the Park Ridge VFW, so we didn't get on the road until about 10. Police escorted us down 294/88/355/55/80 at up to 95mph – about 12 bikes started from VFW, some others met us along the way to Princeton. Stop at Princeton to gas, meet with more family and more PGR. Had probably 60 bikes (maybe more) on to Aledo.
Starting about 15 miles out from Princeton - other officers and fire personnel were parked, lights on, in the median or on overpasses, at attention, saluting. One overpass had to have had 50 people and police with candles and flags lighted by the LEO's spots.
The truck stop in Princeton that was the gas/meeting point looked like a little city of its own, street and parking lot lined with folks with candles, flags and well wishing signs.
Once off the interstate – at every bump-in-the-road town -- police, fire, residents, lining the sides of the road - again flags, candles, signs and salutes.
The entire town of Aledo was in Central Park with flags and candles – at midnight. Local VFW had a color guard there. Every vehicle that had any kind of flashing light lined the road into town and surrounded the park. The SeaBee's business partner had one of those cement pumping rigs there with the boom extended and a huge flag suspended from it. A bagpiper was playing as we pulled in (order was police escort, PGR, hearse, family cars, Navy cars). The local choir sang the National Anthem, Amazing Grace and his favorite hymn. Buglers played dual trumpet taps.
Not a dry eye in town... certainly not mine.
Family expressed their appreciation, individuals from both VFW’s thanked us for what we do, strangers from the town came by to shake hands or hug and say thanks – and my answer is – “It is Our HONOR to be here”.
It was an expensive night for me - riding at warp speed shredded my large flag, broke the shaft on my small flag, took my CB antenna off and cracked the cover on my airhorns... Due to the delay, I ended up in a B&B room for 5 hours at $60... Then this morning on the way home, passing an odd shaped oversized load that created some weird turbulence, I lost my PGR hat...
AND I"D DO IT ALL AGAIN IN A MINUTE!!!!
PGR - “Riding with Respect”
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-bogie
American by Birth, Biker by Choice, Patriot Forever |
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Sr Hog
Posts: 178
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| 19 Jul 2006 1:22 PM |
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Brenda and I will be leaving Oswego, IL at 1600hrs on Friday 7/21/06 to pay our Respects and Honor to this fallen Hero, Petty Officer 1st Class Jerry A. Tharp. If anyone from the Chicago area is going to Galesburg at this time and would like to ride with us, it would be an honor to ride with you.
You can meet us at my office. The address is 4485 Rt71, Oswego, IL This is at the intersection of Plainfield Rd & Rt 71 / There are two signs on the building "DL Cook Corporation" and Yo's Barber Shop. Just pull in the parking lot and pull around back between our building and the buss barn.
My e-mail is wd9egk@comcast.net or Cell (630) 330-1749 if you need any information.
We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express.
God Bless & Ride Safe
David M Meyers (Sr Hog) |
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Wescoot2
Posts: 2991
Park Ridge, Illinois
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| 19 Jul 2006 1:52 PM |
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If anyone is looking is looking to get in contact with Scoot or myself, we are staying at the Holiday Inn Express.....309-343-7100 Rm 323......Looks like we will be staying here thru the Funeral on Saturday...
Thanks for everyone who stepped up and helped with the escort of PO1 Jerry Tharp, a perfectley executed mission, with all arriving safeltly...........Great Job, and well Done.
Respects,
Ed |
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"In an age of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell.
Cell 847-217-1862
If your gonna be One.....Be a BIG RED ONE
**Truth - You Can't Handle the TRUTH** X-Y-Z |
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on_the_road
Posts: 7
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| 19 Jul 2006 3:01 PM |
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We are from NEMO...and last night was our first escort, and only second PGR ride. We signed up about 2 wks ago, when we learned of the PGR, for the Rex Page mission...about 35 miles from our home. We thought we knew what to expect, but the emotions for the escort were so much different...there really are no words to do it justice. We were honored to be allowed to be a part. We are also at the Holiday Inn...room 201...so if there is anything we can do, please let us know!
M-n-M |
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busch2fan
Posts: 337
Wauconda, IL
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| 19 Jul 2006 3:39 PM |
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Made it home at 0545... needless to say, I'm half asleep as I type this (at work)... but would have it no other way.
I can't improve on what Bogie said earlier. I am SO proud to have had the honor to escort this man home. It is obvious that PO1 Tharp touched many lives in his too short a time with us... the great ones though... they continue to touch lives even after they've moved on.
PO1 Tharp, you did just that. You, your family, your friends, your town... all demonstrating the pride, dedication, and love that you undoubtedly lived and professed each day. It was an honor to be part of your world... even if only for a moment. I can honestly say, I am a better person for the experience. Thank you.
True, this ride didn't have the gorgeous scenery of the Black Hills. It lacked the exciting roads of Deal's Gap. It didn't have the history of old Route 66.
This ride was better. This ride... brought a hero home.
Thank you PO1 Tharp for your selfless dedication and sacrifice.
You are an American hero, and will be honored as such.
Jeff |
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"Life... Liberty... and the pursuit of all who threaten it."
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mrplow
Posts: 1584
Galva, Illinois
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| 19 Jul 2006 4:31 PM |
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The toughest three hours of my life, during my first mission with the PGR was funeral Honor Mission for Petty Officer Jerry A. Tharp. Received the PGR email from Chris Brocksmith Monday the 17th, emailed RC Max Howerter and advised him that I would be honored to help with the Honor Guard as the body lay in state at the family home in Aledo. Little did I know how tough this mission would be. Standing at parade rest Wednesday afternoon just 10 feet from fallen hero Petty Officer Tharp there was no way to not hear the family members as they would file through to view the body. How sad as they spoke of times gone by and how Petty officer Tharp loved his country and his service to it. Time and time again neighbors and friends would come by and spoke so highly of him and his service to country. My heart goes out to his family and widow in this time of sorrow. I pray they will be able to find comfort in the hundreds of well wishers who came to honor this hero last night. I know I will be one of the PGR members with motorcycle on Saturday for the funeral. On a final note, as my Honor Guard shift ended and I Hugged Petty Officer Tharp’s widow goodbye expressing my condolences , Finding the door to go home was almost impossible for the tears in my eyes. Rest In peace Hero.
Rob Miller/ Galva Illinois
New PGR Member
Retired Military
AMA Life member
Two year cancer survivor
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Rob Miller/ Galva Illinois
PGR Member since 6/13/2006
AMA Life member, American Legion Member,ALR
ILNG 1644th Trans. 1970-1976
Five year cancer survivor
If you want to know the character of a man, find out what his cat thinks of him
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle.”
Sometimes it takes a whole tank full of fuel before you can think straight.
Whatever it is, it’s better in the wind.
Only a Biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window
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barnett127
Posts: 0
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| 19 Jul 2006 6:31 PM |
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Last night was one of the greatest, longest, and unbelievable nights of my life. It was my father in-law that lost his key to his scoot. I could not believe how many people just dove into the tall grass searching for thing. Not just the PGR group but family members, a trucker, and LEOs. You people are simply an awesome group.
After the lot was clear and no one there but the two of us we searched around again....no luck. So we called and made arrangements to bring us a key in the morning. I ran over to the Super 8 to see about getting a room and wouldn't ya know no vacancy. So we slept for a few minutes under a tree there at the truck stop. We left the truck stop around 5:00 and made it home about 9:30 or so. Like Preach said last night, its just amazing when them lil gremlins will show up.
Sure it was disappointing but we got to meet one hell of a good group of people.
THANKS EVERYONE!!!.......We tried.  |
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howerter1
Posts: 781
Galesburg, ILL; HOTH Coordinator ILL,Retired E8,US Army,Vietnam Vet
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| 19 Jul 2006 6:41 PM |
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Posted By barnett127 on 07/19/2006 6:31 PM Last night was one of the greatest, longest, and unbelievable nights of my life. It was my father in-law that lost his key to his scoot. I could not believe how many people just dove into the tall grass searching for thing. Not just the PGR group but family members, a trucker, and LEOs. You people are simply an awesome group. After the lot was clear and no one there but the two of us we searched around again....no luck. So we called and made arrangements to bring us a key in the morning. I ran over to the Super 8 to see about getting a room and wouldn't ya know no vacancy. So we slept for a few minutes under a tree there at the truck stop. We left the truck stop around 5:00 and made it home about 9:30 or so. Like Preach said last night, its just amazing when them lil gremlins will show up. Sure it was disappointing but we got to meet one hell of a good group of people. THANKS EVERYONE!!!.......We tried. 
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Max
US Army Retired E8, VietNam 66-67 "We should not mourn that such men died, but we should thank God that such men lived" General George Patton |
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cgbrocksmith
Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"
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| 19 Jul 2006 7:38 PM |
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| Many of you are going to the mission for Petty Officer Tharp in Galesburg/Aledo, Illinois on Saturday morning - 22 JUL 06. In addition, if you are coming through or can detour, I ask that you consider this "Special Honor Mission" just 31 miles south of Galesburg.
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United States Army Corporal Cecil Marvin English, 83 years old, passed away last night, 18 July 2006 at 10:15 pm. Cecil had cancer for some time and the Lord called him home. Cecil was involved in the South Pacific campaigns of WWII and actually remained on active duty for 6 months after the war to stand guard over gold that was moved from Japan.
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Mrs. Betty English has request a PGR presence (flag line) for Cecil on Saturday morning, 22 July 2006 in Bushnell at the:
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Martin-Hollis Funeral Home
771 N. Crafford Street
Bushnell, IL 61422
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My intentions are to form a small flag line, 20-30 riders, at the entrance to the funeral home to pay our respects to Corporal Cecil English for his service to our country. We will assemble right at the funeral home at 9 am and be in place by 9:15 am. This flag line will stand in honor for approximately 1 hour. In any case, we will be on the road for Galesburg by 11 am. to make the Jerry Tharp mission.
Mrs. English is aware of this and stated, “Anything you guys can so would be appreciated. Cecil had heard of your actions and wanted to be a part of your organization.”
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This mission can be accomplished in a respectful manner and we then can continue onto Galesburg for Petty Officer Tharp’s services.
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This is a limited scope “Honor Mission” and anyone that wants to participate, please email me directly so that I can inform the funeral home of our numbers. Contact me at cgbrocksmith@cgbrocksmith.com. PGR Support vehicle will not be available so please bring your own flags and water.
After this brief mission, we will ride as a group to Galesburg.
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BUSHNELL, ILLINOIS:
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LOCAL AREA BUSHNELL
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MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator
"To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address:
"From these honored dead we take increased devotion to
that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we
here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."
Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could
happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS!
Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!
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