It was my first mission with the Patriot Guard Riders. If you're unfamiliar with them, following is the mission statement:
"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:
- Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
- Shield the mourning family and their 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."
Today's mission was in support of the family of a Sergeant of Marines who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. SHE, that's right...she, leaves behind her husband, Staff Sergeant USMC, and four children, ages two-to-six.
Together with dozens of others, we provided a motorcycle escort for the family to the church; provided a flag line for the family members as they entered the church; formed up behind the USMC Honor Guard during the rifle salute and Taps; and escorted the hearse and coffin from the church to the funeral home. At the funeral home, I joined four other Marines and a Navy Master Chief as pall bearers.
Each of us are volunteers. Many have performed similar missions countless times. Why? Showing respect and supporting the family are my motivation. Further, I'll not stand by if anyone would attempt to disrupt the funeral of a fallen warrior or demonstrate any disrespect to him/her or their family.
As my first mission, this hit hard. Looking at those kids, I couldn't imagine if they were my grandchildren. Nor could I imagine the Staff Sergeant if her were my son. And, most pointedly, as a Marine, I can only imagine what the family is facing.
When attempting to describe today to my wife, a Marine wife of more than 30 years, my voice cracked and tears welled up. She understands and gave me a moment.
So, as today concludes, I'll remember more than other days, how precious life is and the absolutely importance of our warriors as they go in harm's way. I'll also say a prayer, one of many, for this Marine family and those four young ones.
This was my first, but not my last, mission.
Semper Fidelis
Each of us are volunteers. Many have performed similar missions countless times. Why? Showing respect and supporting the family are my motivation. Further, I'll not stand by if anyone would attempt to disrupt the funeral of a fallen warrior or demonstrate any disrespect to him/her or their family.
As my first mission, this hit hard. Looking at those kids, I couldn't imagine if they were my grandchildren. Nor could I imagine the Staff Sergeant if her were my son. And, most pointedly, as a Marine, I can only imagine what the family is facing.
When attempting to describe today to my wife, a Marine wife of more than 30 years, my voice cracked and tears welled up. She understands and gave me a moment.
So, as today concludes, I'll remember more than other days, how precious life is and the absolutely importance of our warriors as they go in harm's way. I'll also say a prayer, one of many, for this Marine family and those four young ones.
This was my first, but not my last, mission.
Semper Fidelis
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