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2009-11-21

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Agriculture

Lifestyles

Thursday, November 13, 2008 12:49 PM

Patriot Guard: An ‘overwhelming experience’

By VICKIE MOSS, Herald Managing Editor

It’s hard to find words to describe the impact of the Patriot Guard, Sherry Wright, a local advocate for the troops and organizer of the annual Veterans Day Parade, said.

“It’s the most overwhelming experience” to see the guard at a funeral, she said.

“There’s flags up and down both streets, there’s the motorcycles and the caravan. Then you get out to the cemetery and they are all lined up.

“Words can’t express what’s in your heart.”

The Patriot Guard attended the funeral of Wright’s son-in-law as they have for thousands of other members of the military. Often, they are asked to shield the family from protesters.

Whatever the reason for the Patriot Guard’s presence, their mission is to respect those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security.

In honor of that mission, this year’s Veterans Day Parade will recognize the Patriot Guard as grand marshals, Wright said. She expects between 100 to 150 members of the Patriot Guard will attend this year’s event Saturday.

The Patriot Guard began in Mulvane in August 2005 with a group of American Legion members who also were motorcycle enthusiasts, according to Web sites for the Kansas and national Patriot Guard. Members of the group were outraged to learn through news accounts that members of the Rev. Fred Phelps’ Westboro Baptist Church, Topeka, were picketing the funerals of soldiers. The riders banded together to shield family and friends from the protesters.

The movement caught on and spread to other states. The guard is invited as guests using legal and non-violent means to shield mourners from protestors.

Members of the Patriot Guard do not have to be veterans and do not have to ride a motorcycle. Political views are irrelevant.

“The only prerequisite is respect,” the Web site www.patriotguard.com says.

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Patriot Guard: An ‘overwhelming experience’

By VICKIE MOSS, Herald Managing Editor

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.