I didn't know a lot about the Patriot Guard Riders until today. I thank God that I didn't. If I did, that would mean that maybe the worst had happened to our family. It hasn't. We're very fortunate.
However, Big D was asked yesterday to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders on a mission to bring Pvt. Corey L. Hicks home to his final resting place. Today, the PGR met the plane and escorted Pvt. Hicks to the funeral home for the viewing. Tomorrow, they will escort Pvt. Hicks to his final resting place. Big D said he was quite moved, this was really close to home for him, having 3 kids in the military - but he felt compelled to do it.
War protestors are expected tomorrow at the funeral...yes, I said war protestors at a funeral of a hero. It makes me sick. Big D was told to physically turn his back to the protestors and ignore them. Apparently, these particular protestors are just looking for someone to touch them or say something to them so they can then sue claiming their first ammendment rights, blah, blah, blah. Still makes me sick.
Anyway, when Big D came home this afternoon, he told me all about his experience, and he was totally emotionally and physically drained. He had lived a lifetime in those few hours. And he's gearing up to do it again tomorrow. I only wish I could go with him.
I wanted to spread the word about this fantastic group of riders, in case any of my readers didn't know about them. I have the utmost respect for them and for what they do. Kudos to the PGR.
And my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pvt. Corey L. Hicks of the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division based in Fort Hood, Texas. Stand down, soldier. Your mission is complete.
10 comments:
Beautiful post, Ann. I rode next to Big D in the escort today. I too was emotionally drained by the experience. -- Dave.
Wow. This is incredible, I didn't know about this group either.
They should run over the war protesters.
I was proud to ride with such an honorable and respectful group. It was quite the experience of being a flag bearer. A little too close to home with three kids in the military.
Will ride again but hopefully their services won't be needed here.
Condolences to Pvt. Hick's family.
Big D
I didn't know about these guys either Ann, but it is good to know that they are out there.
Condolences to Pvt. Hick's family. What a sacrifice they have made.
I totally agree with Kim on all accounts
how cool the flags look
Ann,
If you remember the post I did last week, "One for the Troops..," it got a huge response of comments. Three of them, from Dean, KTDID, and Ronman, spoke of how they all ride with the Patriot Guard. Up until then, I didn't really know too much about them myself.
As a result of the passionate way they spoke of being a part of it, I just joined the MA Patriot Guard Riders myself. Another blogger, Dave from "Road Grits Cafe," also was inspired to join as a result of those comments. Maybe because of your post, someone else may be called to this noble undertaking.
Here's a link to Ronman's post about his recent PG mission, if you'd like to check it out. Great pictures: http://www.ridesroadsandronman.com/2008/05/welcome-home-1175th-transportation.html
Ride Safe.
My dad (Army MSG-Retired) rode in one of these escorts not long ago here in KY. It is an emotional time.
My condolences to the family and friends of Pvt Hicks.
Thanks for supporting our troops. I respect the troops and I respect anyone who will support them. It's hard on the families as well, Big D having three serving at the time? Wow, that has to be a battle to fight in itself. Thanks for sharing.
As always, Big D there for someone else or some other cause, that's why we love him so! Don't get me started on those war protestors, there are ways to protest the war (VOTE!) without tarnishing a fallen hero who died for our freedom and our country! God Bless him and his family.
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