Why do they gather most Tuesday mornings at Miramar National Cemetery to pay honor to virtual strangers?
The names, ranks, and branch of the Armed Forces of veterans, previously unknown to them, are solemnly read off. An American flag is ceremoniously opened then refolded exactly 13 precise times to form the triangular shape reminiscent of the three cornered hats worn by General George Washington and the first American Army. Those assembled raise their flags or render a military salute.
Veterans for the most part, patriots all, they voluntarily perform this important duty, believing individually and collectively that a military veteran should never be laid to rest without someone standing for him/her.
So they stand for those who stood for us.
They are Patriot Guard Riders.
Middle of the month. Middle of the week. Early afternoon on a typically sunny day in San Diego. Just another day, with another military funeral. This time at the Miramar National Cemetery, adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The breeze was up, as usual, causing flags to flutter.
Soon the family arrived with their Marine Corps veteran, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). Awaiting them at the Commitment Shelter were the members of the Marine Corps Honor Detail, including a Marine bugler.
At the shelter, as the hearse pulled up, the PGR stood a flag line, coming to Attention and Presenting Arms as the casket was moved into position by the Marines. The pastor spoke eloquently. The family and friends of this departed Marine veteran nodded and offered some, "Amens." His daughter stood and offered her appreciation in a shaky voice, speaking of her "Daddy" and playing song "I Will Always Love You" in his honor.
Military Honors were presented, earned by this Marine by his honorable and faithful service to his nation. All stood while the rifle salute was fired. The veterans and active duty military saluted and and PGR raised their flags to the Present Arms while Taps was played. Eyes welled with tears and it mattered not that some had never met this Marine. One of the PGR leaders explained the symbolism of every element of the military honors, from the 13 folds of the flag, the three rifle volleys, and the playing taps. With the permission of the family, the PGR members offered one last Present Arms. As each member departed, he placed his hand on the casket, offering a final prayer or thought. For me, it was, "Semper Fidelis, brother."
If you had been there and looked around, one aspect should have been obvious. Race and ethnicity do not matter to those who came to help honor this Marine. The Marines resplendent in their Dress Blues were there in a duty status. The older, grayer bikers from the PGR were there as volunteers. An African American Marine Corps veteran was honored by "old white guys" and a Filipino-American on motorcycles, led by an Asian American.
All those there, regardless of race or ethnicity or age, were helping a nation recognize one of its warriors and his race mattered not.
Were that it was the same throughout our society.
I don't know how many bikes showed up, but overheard others say it was between 80-100. On an otherwise quiet Saturday in Ramona, California, a (really) small town east of San Diego, California, the distinctive rumble of Harley-Davidson motorcycles filled the air.
As distinctive as was the sound, equally noticeable were the countless American flags, large and small, proudly flying from the bikers. (Contrast this with a high school in Iowa that apologized where its students wore patriotic attire to a recent basketball game.) Looking at the bikers, military insignia, patches, and service ribbons adorned their vets.
These bikers (more on them later) were gathering on a Saturday morning to pay their respect to US Army soldier PFC Simmons. They lined their bikes up by the mortuary, preparing to escort PFC Simmons to the church where services would be held. And then on to the cemetery where he would be laid to rest with full military honors provided by the US Army.
The bikers were predominately military - active duty, retired, and veterans. From oldest to youngest, the ages spanned five decades and multiple wars. Some are known to have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in combat. Regardless, they came together in solidarity to recognize a brother none had met.
Looking around, I did not see one elected official. I did see active, veterans, and military retirees giving of their personal time to ensure this soldier would be shown the respect he earned as a member of our nation's military.
The elected officials may not think it was important enough to give of their time, but these military (active duty, retirees, and veterans) certainly did.
After Taps and a final salute, some of the bikers gathered to break bread at a local establishment. During the routine post mission banter, serving as a release from the high emotions of standing for the fallen, one retired sailor exclaimed that when Taps played, there wasn't a dry eye to be had.
20 somethings and 70 somethings shared a moment this Saturday. Several hours of their time contributed to paying their respect to a fellow warrior, gone before his time. All the while cognizant there are other fellow warriors currently going in harm's way.
With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, all too often their sacrifices are unknown to the majority of the nation. Today these bikers made sure the family of Army PFC Griffin knew his sacrifice was not and never will be forgotten.
On this cool January morning in San Diego, under overcast clouds and in a persistent drizzle, they came together. One by one, they gathered, seeking some shelter under an awning or umbrella. On a normal day, the majority would be riding their motorcycles. Due to today's inclement weather, about half came in their vehicles, with the other half braving the weather. What, one might ask, would possess them to come out in such weather?
The grizzled veterans, clean shaven citizens, men and women alike staged outside the mortuary as members of the Patriot Guard Riders mission supporting the funeral for Major Jack Griffiths, POW/KIA, U S Army. Major Griffiths fought in World War II and died a POW during the Korean War.
Most wore jackets or vests adorned with patches depicting military units, the branches of the Armed Forces, patriotic phrases, and the American flag. Army, Navy, Marine Corps. From junior enlisted to senior officers, they gathered to honor a fallen comrade.
At the specific invitation of Major Griffith's family, including his son who last saw his father as a two years old, the Patriot Guard Riders were honored and proud to be present, even in such adverse weather.
Standing in the rain, holding American flags aloft or presenting crisp hand salutes, these patriots stood in two lines during the dignified transfer of the coffin into the hearse. The riders then escorted the hearse and family to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. There, the U. S. Army awaited and provided full military honors. Further, Major Griffith's son accepted the posthumous Silver Star, Purple Heart, and POW Medal from the Army representatives.
Throughout, the Patriot Guard Riders stood in the persistent mist, properly Presenting Arms during the rifle volley and playing of Taps. In a final tribute, they presented a custom made plaque, signed by all, to Major Griffith's son.
Across our nation, Patriot Guard Riders are invited to support the funerals for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who die on active duty, and honorably discharged veterans. At times, members of the Patriot Guard Riders are the only ones in attendance, standing in as family for their fallen comrades.
They seek no recognition. They seek no funding. They volunteer their time. They honor our men and women in uniform. Whether it be a sunny afternoon or a cool, damp, drizzling morning, they will "stand for those who stood for us."
Local TV news story.
FOOTNOTE: Looking around during the funeral, one saw U. S. Army soldiers, the U. S. Navy Chaplain, representatives of veteran organizations, Patriot Guard Riders, and the family members and their friends. But not one elected official. Apparently no local, state, or federal elected official deemed worthy of their time the funeral for a soldier who died a POW in the Korean War. Their absence speaks loudly and clearly to this veteran and retired Marine.
