"Patriot Guard" Bikers protect military funerals from antigay protests

[Are_grits_groceries]

A soldier returning to his parents in a casket may be the most painful thing for a family to endure. But the nightmare worsens.

Imagine saying goodbye to your loved one -- your son, your brother, your husband, your father, your childhood friend -- and lurking on the fringes are protesters, using the death of your loved one for their own agenda.

One group of dedicated veterans, the Patriot Guard Riders, are there keep the protesters away.

The antigay Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., routinely disrupts military funerals, holding bright-colored signs that read "God Hates Fags" and "God Hates America."

The presence of the Patriot Guard, however, seems to deter such intrusions. At the funeral of Merced, Calif., Army Pfc. Lukas Hopper last Saturday, the Patriot Guard Riders were there at the Hopper family's request — and the protesters were nowhere to be seen.
<snip>
The Riders participation is voluntary and only upon the request of a soldier, veteran or the family of a soldier. The Patriot Guard Riders also offer their services at welcome-home celebrations and send-offs.

The Patriot Guard Riders are compromised primarily of military veterans and bikers, but neither is a requirement. According to their mission statement "The only prerequisite is RESPECT."
<snip>
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/78722.html

Apparently there are some people the Phelps gang doesn't want to tangle with.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Between these guys and the Rescue Ink group.......

[onehandle]

2. Good. I'd be thrilled to hear that they kicked the shit out of one of those freaks.

Good for them.

[guitar man]

6. It's bound to happen sooner or later

If one of them ever makes the mistake of mouthing off to the wrong biker, it will be all over but the shoutin' ;)

[NeedleCast]

19. That's exactly what the Phelps clan hopes for

Then they can sue, sue, sue!

[guitar man]

23. yep

they'd love to do that, but what they're not counting on is the fact that they may run across someone who doesn't give a shit. I notice in the "who rides with us" section of their website the Hells Angels MC Socal is listed. Somehow I doubt those guys give a shit if they get sued or not.

[guitar man]

3. "and the protesters were nowhere to be seen"

:rofl:

chalk one up for the bikers! :D

[Aramchek]

4. Awesome!

[xultar]

5. Do they need donations? I want to kiss those folks!

[guitar man]

8. here's their website

http://www.patriotguard.org/


I've been thinking about joining the local chapter, I'd like to ride along and help scare the shit of the Phelps clan :evilgrin:

[Lochloosa]

15. 10 bucks gets you a really cool patch

[brendan120678]

7. In this area, most of these guys...

are Freeper types. Still, I respect them for what they do in regards to the military funerals, etc.

[SeattleGirl]

9. I love this group and the service they provide.

:patriot:

[Kolesar]

10. I thought they were "Rolling Thunder"

but this group seems very tasteful.

[DainBramaged]

11. The Jesus thumpers ain't want to be thumped by bikers......

[krispos42]

12. They kept the Phelps scum away from the funeral of my boss' nephew

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x494491

[DainBramaged]

13. ............

:hug:

[krispos42]

16. Thanks

And, jeez, I just realized I used some really bad words a couple of years ago... :blush:

[CherokeeDem]

14. The Patriot Guards Are Impressive...

I saw them here in Lexington while driving past a funeral home where at a service for a soldier who died in Iraq was being held. They stood silently lining the drive to the funeral home; there were some people across the 4-lane street in front of the funeral home but I didn't see any protest signs. The Lexington Metro police had more cars there than the normal funeral contingent as well; I don't think any protesters would have gotten close even if the Patriot Guard hadn't been there but it was comforting and emotional to see them standing guard over that soldier and his family.

[guitar man]

17. Ok, I just joined up

I'm a Patriot Guard Rider now. :patriot:

[Are_grits_groceries]

20. Good on ya!

:patriot:

[guitar man]

21. so I guess I better get off my lazy butt

and get down to the DMV and get my bike tagged so I can ride with them :rofl:

[Are_grits_groceries]

22. LOL!

There's always a catch.

[guitar man]

24. always

been trying to save for my daughter's christmas presents and let a couple things slide :crazy:

[prairierose]

18. I've met some of these guys, they often come into the store...

where I work on the summer. I always thank them for what they do and they have all been really nice guys. They are usually surprised that someone recognizes their patch. :)

[reggie the dog]

25. bikers do tend not to take much shit from people

this is great!

[ProgressiveProfessor]

26. I am a member and have ridden to way too many funerals

Note that the term "biker" is not really appropriate for the PG. The vast majority of the rider are not gang members and I have never seen questionable club colors at a ride. Its also not a Harley or cruiser only. I ride a sport touring bike and fit in just fine.