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1. What is
the purpose of the Patriot Guard?
The Patriot Guard is a
mission with one purpose - to stand guard at funerals of Fallen Heroes
to provide a shield between grieving families and protesters.
A Fallen Hero is
defined as a KIA or Casualty of War of the current wars, and Law
Enforcement Officers and Firefighters killed in the line of duty.
* Please read the
Mission Statement on this web site.
This is our only
mission. If the Patriot Guard is present, a Fallen Hero is being laid
to rest.
2. How do I
join the Patriot Guard, and what benefits do I get?
To join, click on the
Join Our Mission button, follow the directions: enter email address,
click submit.
Benefits: You will be added to our e-mail list and
will receive e-mail alerts for Fallen Hero Funeral Missions. Please
note that if you don't hear from us, it is because there is no pending
or scheduled mission. We do not send frivolous emails. We do not
solicit anything from you.
3. Why don’t I receive e-mails about other
events like welcome homes, sendoffs, parades, parties, fundraisers, and
past-war veteran funerals?
The Patriot Guard
mission is to stand guard at funerals of Fallen Heroes. We do not
forward information regarding other types of events to our membership
because those events are out of scope. If you wish to participate in
veteran-support activities, join a Veterans Service Organization.
4. Where are
the chat forums on the web site?
We do not provide chat
forums.
5. Where are
Patriot Guard chapters, and where can I attend a Patriot Guard meeting?
There are no chapters,
and there are no meetings.
6. How do I
buy a Patriot Guard patch?
We do not sell the Patriot Guard patch. We give a
patch at no charge to every first-time funeral mission participant. If
you don't have one, ask a Ride Captain for one.
7. Do I have to ride a motorcycle to be in the
Patriot Guard?
No, you do not have to ride a motorcycle. You can
drive your car or truck.
8. Do I have to be a veteran to be in the
Patriot Guard?
No, you do not have to be a veteran. The Patriot Guard is a group of
patriotic citizens who come together to support the Patriot Guard
mission. The only requirement is that you love and support our nation,
the soldiers who fight for our freedom, and the Law Enforcement Officers
and Firefighters who protect our communities. Some of us are veterans,
some are active military, some are members of Veterans Service
Organizations, and some are citizens who are none of the above. Some
ride motorcycles, and some do not ride. We're all citizens and patriots
who wish to honor our Fallen Heroes.
9. What do I do on a funeral mission? What is
expected of me?
1. Read the itinerary prior to showing up for the mission.
2. Arrive at the staging area at the designated time so that you are
present for the briefing.
Staging Crew Captains and Road Guards will direct you where to park. They will direct
motorcycles with flagpoles to one area, and motorcycles without poles to
another.
Automobiles will be directed to another area and will follow the
motorcycles in the procession.
3. Pay attention to the Ride Captain's briefing and follow instructions.
4. If you are a first-timer and are riding a motorcycle, ride at the
back of the motorcycle group. Listen carefully to
instructions from those in charge.
5. Be cautious and attentive when in the procession. It is an emotional
experience.
6. When standing in the flag line, do not smoke or use your cell phone,
and be solemn and reverent. No joking or cutting up. You are there to
stand guard and show respect to the Fallen Hero.
7. There will be
designated people walking the flag line offering to relieve you for a
break. When you take a break, move away from the church, mortuary,
family, or guests if you wish to smoke, use your phone, or visit with
someone.
10. What is
meant by flag protocol?
The Patriot
Guard missions follow the Department of Defense Flag Protocol.
Flag protocol means
“proper placement, handling, and use of flags“.
Placement: order in which flags are flown.
Handling: proper
handling of flags in the flag line.
Use of flags: how
the flags are mounted on moving vehicles.
We use the term “flag
order” to refer to placement of flags in funeral processions.
This is not a matter of
us expressing our personal preference. Flag order as established by the
D.O.D. applies to military and non-military processions. We refer to it
as military flag protocol because these are military funerals with full
military honors.
“Flag order will be followed” means that the US flag always leads, and
state flags are next
Military branch flags follow, then organizational flags - all flown
based on birth date.
The youngest organization's flag flies last.
We only fly one flag per motorcycle, so it simplifies the flag order
process.
To read more about flag protocol, check our Flag Protocol page on this
site.
11. Why do
you ask us to fly only one large flag on our motorcycle?
We request that
you fly only one large flag on your motorcycle for uniformity and
safety.
Safety - if it is a windy day, your flag could whip around into your
face or the rider next to you.
The flag could also be blown against the wheel or chain of the
motorcycle next to you.
Two flags compound the problem. A single flag is easier to manage.
12. When I'm
holding a flag, how do I stand at attention and salute?
When you're
holding a flag and are called to attention, you stand at attention.
The flag pole is held upright with your right hand.
When "present arms" is called, you do not salute. You stand at
attention.
During prayer, and they say "uncover" you do not take off your hat
Anyone not holding a flag can salute, if qualified to do so, or put
his/her hand over the heart.
For example, Active Duty Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers,
Firefighters, will salute. Those who have not served must put their
right hand over their heart.
13. What sort of clothing should I wear?
If
you're riding a motorcycle, wear protective clothing. Many of us wear
helmets, gloves, and leathers.
The leathers will be too hot in the heat of summer.
If you're driving an automobile, dress appropriately for the weather,
but be sensible.
Use common sense, and keep in mind that you are attending a funeral.
We are all showing respect to a Fallen Hero.
We
urge you to wear clothing that reflect your respect and reverence for
the Fallen Hero.
We're not there to make a personal statement about anything.
It's not about us. It's about the Fallen Hero and family.
14. What
should I do if the protesters jeer at us and make obscene gestures?
Turn your back
and ignore them. They want a reaction from you. Don't give them one.
15. Where can I buy pins, patches, armbands,
hats, shirts, and other merchandise?
We do not sell merchandise; we do not have a merchandise store.
We give the Patriot Guard patch free as stated above.
The patch identifies you to LEO as Patriot Guard when you're at a
mission.
16. How can I participate in Patriot Guard
fundraisers?
The Patriot Guard does not have fundraisers. We do not solicit
donations.
We gratefully accept donations, which are used to pay for the Patriot
Guard patches we give away,
and for US flags, the We Support Our Troops flags, the frames for the
"In Memory Of" Certificates
that we give to the Fallen Heroes' families, and for materials to build
casket flag cases.
17. Where
can I get small flags to mount on my motorcycle, and a flagpole for the
large U.S. flag?
You can buy the small flags locally at motorcycle accessory shops. If
you want a standard flagpole, you can buy 5-foot fiberglass poles at
Lowes or Home Depot.
Following is a web site that sells standard poles and telescoping poles,
and flags.
https://www.flagpoletogo.net/buy.htm
Our motorcycle procession and our presence draw much attention from
the public and the media, but always remember - this is not about us.
We must strive to remain humble and reverent, keeping in mind the
purpose of the mission. This mission is about our Fallen Heroes and
their families. We have been invited by the Fallen Hero’s family to
attend the funeral as their guests. We must keep our focus on the
Fallen Hero and family. |