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UCABEAR wrote:After my visit to Harrison Arkansas yesterday, I got the feeling there was something special in the air. Road signs showed the community support and respect for a fallen soldier. But it didn't stop there. A law was passed in Harrison just the day before that made it illegal to protest at a funeral. To support the grieving family were the Patriot Riders, a national motorcycle group that lines the streets of the funerals of fallen soldiers so the families don't have to hear the hatred of anti-war groups at such a critical time. Soldiers sign up for the military for numerous reasons, from supporting America to just needing a job or steady paycheck. It's ok to protest the war, but to take it to the funeral just makes no sense to me at all. The protesters didn't show up, but I have a feeling if they did, the Patriot Riders would have peacefully done their part to keep a sad event from becoming...well....(I can't say what).

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010 ... laid-rest/

Thank you Patriot Riders!

houndawg wrote:Do these guys follow Fred Phelps around the country?

The group was initially formed to shelter and protect the funerals from protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church, who claim that the deaths of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are divine retribution for American tolerance of homosexuality. The Patriot Guard positions itself to physically shield the mourners from the presence of the Westboro protesters by blocking the protesters from view with their motorcade, or by having members hold American flags. The group also drowns out the protesters' chants by singing patriotic songs or by revving motorcycle engines.

Taken from the organization's website, the stated mission of the Patriot Guard Riders is:[6]

“ The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us. We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is. You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect. Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1.Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2.Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

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.

UCABEAR wrote:Wow! I thought that Westboro group was just protesting the war . I think they need to seperate the tools from the trade though. By the way, I 'm starting a protest group to cover all those who don't pay taxes..anyone want to join?

JohnStOnge wrote:I"ve personally witnessed the Patriot Guard Riders before.

JayJ79 wrote:

JohnStOnge wrote:I"ve personally witnessed the Patriot Guard Riders before.

did they interfere with your protest attempts?

houndawg wrote:Do these guys follow Fred Phelps around the country?