The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) Emblem

PGR Mission on 7 June 2011 On a hot, humid June Tuesday, I mounted my trusty Honda Magna “steed” and rode from the Village to Bryant, Arkansas, about 25 miles from our home. There, I linked up with a dozen or so PGR members to get the usual briefing and prayer (for a safe ride and that we honor the veteran). At the funeral home, we held flags outside the church and saluted as the body was taken from the service to the hearse. The funeral procession, led by a motorcycle officer and all of us following the hearse, proceeded about 45 miles to the Arkansas National Cemetery in North Little Rock. There, we posted flags around the service area to honor the veteran who died. I then rode back through the hills to HSV. It is always a pleasure to be with PGR members on these missions.

Two of the “Flag Bikes” at the Funeral Home; they usually lead the PGR members on the ride

LEFT: On the flag bikes, three flags are often carried—the U.S. flag, a PGR flag, and a Prisoner of War (POW) flag. RIGHT: A number of the regular riders post PGR decals on their bikes—in this case, on the windshield of this guy’s motorcycle.

The tiny lady (upper left) rode with the PGR on this gorgeous Harley V-Rod. Her husband is by her side. I trailed this bike on the 45-mile journey to the cemetery and it had the best sound of any pipes I have heard!

One of the bikes was a home-made custom, ridden by a real redneck.

The day was very hot and humid, so I put some cold drinks in a case and strapped it to my “buddy” seat.

Sometimes, folks arrive and ride on very nice “trikes.” Lots of room to carry stuff in the luggage rack!

A nice big blue Victory motorcycle made the mission.

Two things to note: there are usually a number of “Christian” motorcyclists…and, many old vets are heavily tattooed and bearded!

Here’s a bike tricked out like a western “Desperado.” Sheepskin seats are comfortable!

This PGR member always brings his dog, “Shorty,” with him on rides. The dog seemed to enjoy the day.

LEFT: “Shorty’s” riding cockpit on the back of his master’s bike. RIGHT: “Shorty” is strapped in and ready to roll.

Most of the time, the PGR has escorts by local police. I don’t think they are “paid.” They just do it to support the PGR and make the journey from the funeral home to the cemetery as safe as possible. It usually works best with several officers, but, on this ride, only one police (constable) supported the ride— and he looked great on his motorcycle!

This nice yellow Gold Wing, fully equipped, made the event.

My trusty 750 and my USAF “Retired” hat I wore that day.

Sometimes, the flags used are towed by a rider. We build up and break down the flags for every mission.

TOP: Our Ride Captain for the day, a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient from Vietnam. BOTTOM: Three PGR members line up at the gravesite for the service.

This gorgeous “Cam Spyder” was not part of the PGR group. The “Spyder” was parked near the area for the service.

On the way home, at a mountain park, I took shots of myself in my PGR vest.