Patriot Guard

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Patriot Guard riders attending funeral in Liberal, Kansas

The Patriot Guard Riders started in August 2005 as an impromptu gathering of American Legion Riders of ALR 136 from Mulvane, Kansas and has since developed into a group of veterans, motorcyclists, and others who attend the funerals of members of the U.S. armed forces at the invitation of the deceased’s family.

The group originally started in order to protect military funerals from protesters who so far consist solely of the Westboro Baptist Church. The protests have been organized at the funerals in the belief that the deaths were due to American tolerance of homosexuality. The group shields the mourners from the Westboro protesters and drowns out the protesters' chants by singing patriotic songs, or by simply revving their motorcycle engines. Often their attendance involves acting as a visual barrier against the Westboro Baptist Church, blocking the protesters from view with their motorcade or by having each member hold an American flag.

The group's mission quickly expanded to include the funerals of any active duty member of the U.S. armed forces and is now largely focused on recognizing and honoring what it views as the sacrifices of deceased soldiers and their families and loved ones. As of December 2006, the group reported over 70,000 members.

[edit] Mission statement

The "Patriot Guard Riders" website carries the following Mission Statement:

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is. You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

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 friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.