Riding With Respect.

Imagine being a mild mannered software analyst working in Houston one summer, having no idea how dramatically your life is about to change in one year. The next summer you find yourself appearing on 'Hannity and Colmes' and 'Good Morning America' and in addition to all that, you find yourself standing next the President of the United States at the White House as he signs legislation into law.

That is exactly what happened to Kurt Mayer, one of the executive directors of The Patriot Guard Riders. After I wrote a bit about them last week on my TexasSparkle blog, I decided to give Kurt a call and find out more.

This is an amazing story. A grassroots non-political organization reacting to the hate filled Phelps group that protests at gay and military funerals. It grew from about 200 members last summer to over 40,000 members today. Wow.

If there ever were a time for a group or organization to bring conservatives and liberals, Republican and Democrats, together in this country, the time would be now. This organization gives liberals, who want to support the troops even if they disagree with the war, an opportunity to do that in a very real honorable way. This mototcycle group, that is 75% Veterans (although you don't have to be a Veteran to join or even own a motorcycle), goes to military funerals at the invitation of the families of fallen soldiers, and usually leads the funeral procession with 3/5 American flags and then stands in honor at the cemetery entrance.

Although this began as a way to shield the family from the hateful signs and shouts of the Phelps group, it also serves as a way to honor soldiers who might not have the kind of funeral service our soldiers deserve with proud Americans showing respect for their service to our country. Imagine 160 motorcycles with American Flags attached with members standing at attention beside their bike lining the entrance to a cemetery. A sight to behold. A beautiful and moving tribute that is well deserved.

Respect is a word heard often in this group. State Captains organize members before each funeral. Usually meeting in a Walmart parking lot beforehand to go over the specifics of what the family has requested. Respect is of the first order. I asked Kurt how the members kept their tempers when these crazy protesters are shouting unspeakable insults at the grieving family. He told me that they make it very clear that one must be able to keep one's temper in this circumstance out of respect for the family. No one wants a fight or a scene at such a time. I find it amazing that every single member at every single service that the Phelps has protested have been able to maintain the discipline needed not to just beat the crap out of this rude insulting group that dares to use Christianity as it's excuse for it's hate. It really goes to show how respect for the family is the most important thing, far more important than one's own feelings.

On Memorial Day President Bush signed the "Respect For America's Fallen Heroes Act," which makes it illegal to protest any closer than 300 feet at a military funeral. Standing beside the President were 6 Patriot Guard Riders and 2 families affected by the Phelps group. I had seen this on TV and in the paper, but I had no idea the Patriot Guard Riders were there. Curiously, they were not mentioned in the news stories that day and they were cropped out of the picture of Bush signing the legislation. I asked Kurt if any member of the press has approached him afterward or asked to speak to him. He said no. Later that day, at the invitation of the White House, they also attended the ceremony of the laying of the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

One has to wonder why the Patriot Guard Riders were not mentioned in any news stories about the signing of the the Fallen American Heros Act. My first thought was that this is a unifying group and heaven forbid any of us should see Bush as unifier. But that may be my skepticism showing.

It does my heart good to know that this organization continues to grow as a tribute to the respect and honor we bestow upon those who gave the ultimate sacrfice for our country.