Patriot Guard Riders go to veteran funerals

[unhappycamper]

Patriot Guard Riders go to veteran funerals
By Frances K. Foster - The Sheridan Press
Posted : Saturday Dec 15, 2007 17:27:21 EST

SHERIDAN, Wyo. — Riding their motorcycles anywhere in Wyoming to attend the funerals of veterans, the Patriot Guard Riders “stand up for fallen heroes,” said Sheridan Rider Les Meyers.

Established in 2005 by the Kansas American Legion Riders in response to protests by the Westboro Baptist Church and its leader, Fred Phelps, at veterans’ funerals, members check the Rider Web site for funerals in their state that the deceased’s family has approved for Riders to attend, Meyers said.

According to its Web site, PGR’s objectives are to “show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities” and “shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by protesters.”

The riders do not enter the church for the funeral but line the street and hold flags to “keep hecklers away” from those attending the funeral, Meyers said.

Meyers said he has been a Rider for about a year and has attended five funerals in that time, including a couple in southern Montana.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_riders_071215/