Darkhorse,

It is always an energizing thing to talk to a cavalry Vietnam veteran.

I was incredibly impressed with the work the Patriot Guard does for the

families of soldiers who are buried with the honor and tradition they

truly deserve. Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right

guaranteed by the Constitution. We have both fought and bled to defend

the Constitution and that right. I sincerely question the venue of a

military funeral for a protest of the two wars we are involved in now.

It lacks sensitivity and is ill-directed.

But, your efforts with the Patriot Guard to protect the sanctity and

gravity with which a fallen hero is buried are just plain outstanding.

You provide a presence that is impressive, supportive and protective.

The colors held in accordance with flag protocol add immensely to the

ceremony and ensures that the extended family of the hero being buried

are not subject to well-meaning and ill-advised people who cannot

separate the warrior from the war. Vietnam veterans are especially

sensitive to that and the Patriot Guard's service honors a fallen

comrade in a laudable fashion.

This broken down Colonel of Cavalry thinks your efforts are totally

HOOAH! Please keep doing what you do--it is incredibly important and our

fallen comrades and their families deserve this measure of dignity and

support. Sir, I salute you and your riders!!

Beau Bergeron

Colonel, Cavalry (Cajun 6)

Honorary Colonel of the 2d. Cavalry Regiment