The Patriot Full

[Rosette Allaband]

Theword patriot signifies a person who loves their country and is ready to boldly support and defend it. That meaning has endured since the word's arrival in English in the 16th century, but it has not marched through the years unchallenged.

For much of the 17th century, words like good were attached to patriot to distinguish patriots who shared both a love of country and a common allegiance from those having opposing beliefs and loyalties: to be deemed a "good patriot" was to be a lover of country who agreed on political and/or religious matters with whoever was doing the deeming.

Another effect of the tumultuous times was the development of a derogatory use of patriot to refer to hypocritical patriots: people who claimed devotion to one's country and government but whose actions or beliefs belied such devotion. This ultimately led to the discrediting of the loyalty and steadfastness associated with the word patriot.

The years leading up to the American Revolutionary War further propagated the notion of patriot as a name for a seditious rebel against the monarchy. American writers of the 18th century, however, heartily embraced the word to define the colonists who took action against British control. As tensions continued to escalate, a new meaning of patriot came to the forefront, referring to a person who advocates or promotes the independence of their land or people from the country of which they are a colony. Benjamin Franklin provides an early record of this use.

Founded in 2005 to shield families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their loved ones, the Patriot Guard Riders has grown to include thousands of members across all 50 states in the US. We are a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization.

As our membership has grown, so has the scope of our mission. We also honor first responders as well as our military veterans. Additionally we have an active Help On The Homefront (HOTH) program, which provides assistance to our veterans and their families.

Many compliments to all the Patriot Guard for their respect and honor of our loved one. The presence of the flags surrounding the pavillion was recognized and appreciated by family and friends. Many, many high regards to all of you for your worthy cause.

Thank you all soooo very much for the representation of my father, my hero, my super hero. What a beautiful send off for this beautiful, strong and courageous veteran. My family and I would like to make a donation. Where can we send it or drop it off? May the Lord continue to bless the PGR and its veterans!

Again, thank you very much!

Sincerely,

The Nelson Family

My family & I would like to express to you how much it meant when we arrived at Northside Bible Church and you were there. It was overwhelming for me to see you. What an honor for my husband who was so proud to serve his country. For my son to see you when he spent over half his life serving our country. Please know you matter. You are appreciated. The card and medal will be cherished forever. Thank you so much!

The Town of Mendon would like to thank you for your presence at the Mendon Military Dedication held on June 11th for the three fallen National Guard soldiers. Your participation in this very emotional dedication was very much appreciated.

We deeply appreciate the love, support and kindness extended to our family during this difficult time. Please know your thoughtfulness was appreciated and will always be remembered. Thank you for helping us honor our son, brother, uncle, brother in law, father and husband.

I would like to take a minute to thank you all for what you did for my dad and my family. It was much appreciated. You brought me to tears with the gift. I was not expecting it and I cherish it. I am getting a shadow box for the flag as well as all the challenge coins he has and yours will be in there as well. Thank you so much.

My family and I can not thank the Patriot Guard enough for their presence and escort from Holy Faith Episcopal Church in Dunnellon to Bushnell National Cemetery! The men and women who volunteered for the ride were sincerely the most compassionate and patriotic people I have ever met! Every one of our friends that attended the funeral services commented how their presence and heartfelt respect made the ceremony so much more special and memorable!

Thanks for your participation in honoring my Dad, Floyd Tullar, at his Memorial Service in Sioux Falls, SD on December 21st, 2022. Your presence made a memorable and remarkable impact on me and my family.

Thank you again and God Bless,

Laura Tullar-Smykle

Daddy would have enjoyed talking with each of you about your time of service and your motorcycle.

He told me there was a Harley-Davidson store in Harrisburg, PA that he walked past on his way to a job he had as a teenager.

He said there is nothing like a Harley-Davidson.

As a proud Gold Star Mom, I want to sincerely thank you for escorting my son, Caleb, home to Morehead City, NC from Raleigh Durham International Airport on 20 April 2023. The honor, respect, compassion, and love that you ALL showed me, my family, and especially my son, was and still is overwhelming. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life. Knowing that there are those in our country who still care enough to honor the Fallen gives my mama heart some peace.

The Patriot Guard Riders, which included Rick Brandt and one other, honored my husband on Friday, June 30,2023. On behalf of his family, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to these gentlemen and your organization.

To all of the Patriot Guard Riders,

Thank you for your service, and your support of the Military Service Members and First Responders. As a retired Firefighter/ Paramedic, and someone who comes from a family with a long history of military service, your support is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Patriot Guard,

Your recent attendance at the funeral of LCDR Gary Richter was simply outstanding! Very impressive display of reverence and patriotism for this military burial service. I spoke with Ride Captain Mark Gravit and conveyed my deep appreciation and respect for the Patriot Guard and their mission. I salute you all.

Very Respectfully,

Joseph C. Gautille

Captain USN (Ret)

I would like to thank your organization for what you do. Taking the time and effort from you day to honor others. The services for Joe Bill Dempsey in Happy, Texas, on January 17, 2022 was my first personal interaction with your organization. You were very professional. Thanks Again for all do to recognize First Responders, as well as military, that have fallen. Joe Bill was a great man who did great things to help others. Thank you for recognizing him on that COLD and windy January day.

On behalf of our family I just want to thank each and every Patriot Guard rider that came out to honor my husband, Danny R. Lackey on his last mission to his final resting place. It is always such a wonderful and humbling experience to see all the Veterans come out and pay honor to each and every brother or sister and pay tribute to them. Dan was such a proud member of the Patriot Guard and he did so many rides until his health would not allow him to participate any longer. I know Dan was looking down and smiling on all his brothers and sisters and saying Thank You for such a wonderful tribute.

Thank you so much for the beautiful honor you bestowed on my husband, Danny Lee Brooks. It touched my heart and I know he appreciated too. He was very proud of his service to our country. This meant the world to our family.

We, the family of Gary Bailey would like to thank each of you ( Leighton, Gary,Ron, and Joe) for your participation in my uncles funeral. It was so special to his daughter,Janna. You did a wonderful job. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Thank you for the Bible. People like you make the world a better place.

I wanted to say thank you for standing and honoring my husband. Seeing all of you there when me and my son drove up was so amazing. Both my husband and son were and are riders and love motorcycles. You made my heart feel so good. My husband would of loved Seeing and meeting all of you. God bless everyone in your group.

The family of Robert Bock would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It meant so much to us for you to honor our loved one. It was so very cold that day and you still honored him. Words cannot express how much it meant. What a wonderful organization. Thanks again ! Cindy Bock

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for escorting and honoring my husband, Richard Barber, from Hartsell funeral home in Concord, NC to the national cemetery in Salisbury, NC. When we walked out of the funeral home and saw all of you saluting Richard, we were overcome with emotions. I loved you guiding us safely to his final resting place. Again, thank you so much. Bless all of you.

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