Patriot Guard

I took the day off from work the other day and took a little ride up to Madison to join the Patriot Guard at a soldiers funeral.

For those of you not familiar with the Patriot Guard, it's a volunteer organization of bikers from across the country who attend the funerals of our fallen heroes. The purpose is not only to show our support for our troops but also to guard the soldiers' families from these lunatics who travel the country protesting at soldiers' funerals. Now, don't get me wrong. I support free speech and the right to protest wrongdoings (probably more than the next guy). But, there is a time and place for everything. I just don't believe that protesting at a funeral is acceptable under any circumstances. Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox for now.

Anyway, the weather was beautiful that day and more than a hundred bikers showed up. They came from everywhere. I talked to bikers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas. The family was totally stunned at the support and tried to talk to each and every one of us to thank us for coming to support their daughter Rachael. It was a very emotional day. Speaking of emotional, when they started to play "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, an eagle started circling over the cemetary like it was Rachael's spirit now soaring free. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. (That song on the bagpipes always gets to me.)

God bless the Patriot Guard!