[October 18, 2017] In these pages at theLeaderMaker.com I occasionally highlight a hero; usually an individual who has shown great physical or moral courage. These men and women were willing to stand up and put themselves in harm’s way to risk everything. One group that I consider my heroes for the past several years is the Patriot Guard Riders.
So it is with those who stand between good and evil … whether they put their lives at risk or whether they stand ready to guard what is good from those who would impose evil on others. The Patriot Guard Riders are such folks.
They have a two-part mission. First to shield the mourning families and friends from interruptions created by protestors who would disrupt funerals of fallen first responders and honorably discharged military veterans. Second, to show their sincere respect for those fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.1
Best known for shielding the families of military personnel killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq against Westboro Baptist Church members who disrupted funerals, the group rode motorcycles placing themselves between the protestors and families. The WBC (out of Topeka, Kansas) and other groups associated with the U.S. socialist and communist movements have been targeting veterans for many years.
The Patriot Guard Riders had enough of the disrespect and decided to do something about it. Protesting is legal in the United States. Members of the American Legion Riders chapter 136 from Kansas were appalled to hear that the WBC had tarnished the funeral of a soldier and they decided to do something to counteract the disrespect of WBC protesters.
Jeff “Twister” Brown from Edmond, Oklahoma decided to do more than just ride. He saw a need to get a strong nation-wide program in place. Others quickly joined in and the growth was phenomenal. They saw a need to honor fallen Americans; those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Patriot Guard Riders and others like them who show respect for our heroes and put themselves between good and evil are true American heroes.
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]
——————–