Independence Day, Old Glory and The PGR

Happy Independence Day everyone! Today we celebrate the 4th of July, the Independence from Great Britain which was 232 years ago. Cookouts, barbeque's, soda pops and a lot of celebrating in the US. Keep in mind the families that won't be together today because of their loved ones are overseas protecting our freedom. No doubt the American flag will be flying high in many countries today where our soldiers are stationed.

What is it about our flag, the great Flag of the United States of America? The flag that at certain times can and will bring a tear to your eyes such as seeing the torn, beat up flag that was brought out from the world trade center buildings. Like the flag that was handed to my family by the veterans of the Eastwood Post at my Dads funeral services. Like the American flags that the Patriotic Guard Riders (PGR) held as they lined a pathway for a fallen hero, Capt. Philip J. Dykeman who was killed in Iraq and paid their respect to his family and community.

About the Patriotic Guard Riders:

I've read several articles about the Patriotic Guard Riders but yesterday was the first time I visited their website and if you haven't I encourage you to do so. Things are tough in America right now and if you say it isn't then your fooling yourself. I guarantee you will come out of their website saying, damn, I'm Proud to Be An American and Proud of people like the PGR. It's people like them, both men and women, both veterans and non-veterans, as they have on their website both Hawks and Doves that make America what it is.

Most of them are motorcyclists, bikers and riders. With an invitation by the families of a fallen hero they will pack up and travel with their flags to show respect to the families and to the fallen soldier. We have all seen on the news how some groups (sick groups IMO) target funerals of a service man or woman killed in action. Just one of many things the PGR will do is go to the services only if invited by the families and shield the family members from the protesters. NO confrontation and they will actually stand there in a line with their backs turned to the protesters with the flags standing straight up.

I could type forever trying to explain all the things the Patriotic Guard Riders do but I wouldn't be doing them justice. They also do a lot for our veterans. Their website says it all so when you have some time visit their site and really spend some time reading about them. You'll be glad that you learned more about them. I know I was. Their slogan is "Standing For Those Who Stood For Us" and throughout their site you will notice the word "Respect" which is what they are all about. Respecting our fallen heroes and their families. To that I say Thanks to all the members of the PGR on this 4th of July for playing a part of what America is about!!! We will be toasting you all today!

Patriot Guard Riders escort remains of Marine killed in Iraq

Click Here to Visit the PGR Website
Click Here to Read Letters of Appreciation They Received Warning, bring some tissues with you if your a sissy man like myself!

OK, enough already about the mushy stuff. I hope everyone has a great, safe 4th of July. The snowman will be celebrating a friends birthday along with the 4th of July at a cookout today with a lot of friends and family. Most likely I'll be doing my best to try and keep Budweiser an American company ;) Happy 4th Of July All!!!

Interesting Fact - Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the U.S., and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become President of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States' 50th anniversary.