A Soldier's Perspective

Mississippi National Guard Honors PGR

The wind rushing through my hair, what of it was not under the helmet, the sun on my skin, what was not covered by protective clothing, and the sweet smell of honey-sickle in the air…… this was what I experienced on my ride with my brother in his Harley as we made our way to Gulfport, Ms to meet up with other Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). It was a great ride and I enjoined is immensely. I have not been able to attend to many of the missions around here because of either being over seas, on a truck or off at basic. We always enjoy seeing each other, but we hate the reason that brings us together. But this day was not one of those.

The Mississippi National Guard wished to honor the Mississippi chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders for their support and service to our fallen heroes. As we were standing the parking lot of K-Mart waiting for everyone to arrive, we discussed the fact that many of us felt a bit peculiar about what was happening. "We are supposed to be supporting them, not the other way around." one guy said. I and several others agreed. "We have to find a way to turn this around and let them know that we are here to honor them." was another comment.

Then came time to go to the base……

Around 70 bikes and 7 support vehicles pulled out of the K-Mart and headed for the base where the ceremony would take place. It was a beautiful site! My brother and I along with several others, blocked the intersections as the convoy of bikes and cars made their way through town. Once we arrived we parked in a parking lot out of the way. We were all getting ready to make the walk over to the community center when we received word that the Commander wanted us to park right in front of the community center. So, we mounted up and moved. Orders from the Commander just can't be ignored. We squeezed all the bikes into the small area and entered the center.

The General made a great speech about how we were NOT loosing the war. He brought up many great leader from our history and what they might say if they had been told that all was lost and we or they needed to pull out. One of them that sticks in my mind is from WWII and the famous raising of the American Flag on a hill side and the words that were spoken. He went on to show how many time in our history we have been on the verge of defeat and refused to surrender. We, our troops, have found the courage and strength within themselves to keep on going. It was a great speech!

Then the General told a story of his first time in meeting the PGR and how impressed he was with them. How the PGR started in Kansas as a response to those nuts that were protesting at soldiers funerals. How the PGR would stand between those idiots and the family as a barrier of protection.Then he presented the state caption with what you see below and we all got a copy of the letter. As Ed made his speech he pointed out that while we are honored to be here and to have the Mississippi National Guard recognize what we do, we are always here for them, when ever needed. That we are"Standing to those that stood for us."

For those of you that do not know who the Patriot Guard Riders are, and what we stand for, here is our missions statement:

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you.  We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

If you are interested in the Patriot Guard Riders, here is a link to join. You don't have to ride a motorcycle to be a member, all long as you have a love of our country and respect it's defenders.

Freedom isn't Free
but Membership Is
Click Here to Join