Patriot Guard riders honor fallen heroes
Courtesy photo
James Sanders, former Ride Captain and Assistant State Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders, prepares to roll out for one of the group’s service activities.
James Sanders will proudly tell you his son was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne who deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. However, he will also tell you that as he welcomed his wounded son home after serving for nine brutal months, he also found a very special calling.
“It was really bad while my son was over there,” Sanders said. “Over 480 Purple Hearts were awarded as many were wounded or killed in service to our country. As I watched my son return to me, I also watched them carry out three flag-draped coffins for other paratroopers who were filled right before they were coming home. Feeling overwhelmed, I started thinking about the parents of those paratroopers and the cost of freedom.”
Sanders made a commitment that day, vowing to honor those who serve and never forget their sacrifice. He has since found a meaningful way to do just that.
“I joined the Patriot Guard Riders about seven years ago,” he continued. “I joined the group as a way of remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Our mission is to not only honor fallen military heroes, but also first responders and honorably discharged veterans.”
Patriot Guard Riders is a 100% volunteer, federally-registered, non-profit organization that works tirelessly to ensure dignity and respect at memorial services for such heroes. While a national organization, PGR has been serving the Lincoln Parish community since 2010.
“We do lots of funerals,” Sanders added. “We want to show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families and communities.”
During these services, members of the PGR group will place flags at funeral homes and cemeteries, assign flags and cards to be presented to families, man doors while holding flags, greet friends and family and distribute small flags.
Following a service, the group will form a line of honor and present arms as the fallen hero is loaded into a hearse. Finally, they mount their bikes and with respect, escort the hero and family to a cemetery where they then form a line of honor and present arms as the hero is removed from the hearse. They can also assist in folding flags, presenting flags and playing taps if the military cannot attend.
“The last mission we did was for a veteran who passed away and had no family,” Sanders said. “So we came and stood for this hero as his family. Anybody that would like PGR to honor a fallen hero can just let the funeral home know and we will come.”
According to the organization, PGR is a diverse amalgamation of Patriots across the nation with one thing in common besides motorcycles — an unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security.
“Everything we do is out of love, honor and respect,” Sanders said. “We are completely volunteer-driven as well. We buy our own flags, poles, and stakes. And we welcome all types. It doesn’t matter what you ride or if you ride or what political affiliation you have. The only thing required is that you be a patriot.”
In addition to assisting with funeral services, PGR also makes itself available for other ceremonies where veterans may need assistance with patriotic efforts. Most recently, members of the group were on hand to help VFW Post 3615 with its Flag Retirement Ceremony in Ruston.
“We believe America is the greatest country in the world and is made possible because of the sacrifices made by these heroes and their families,” Sanders added. “We are just trying to make our country a better place to live in by showing the love and compassion of Jesus Christ through these small acts of service for our heroes.”
For more information, visit www.PatriotGuard.org or the local PGR group on Facebook at Northeast Patriot Guard Riders.
