Patriot Guard Riders
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The Patriot Guard Riders are a non-profit organization founded in August 2005 as a reaction to Fred Phelps's hate group. The founder, Chuck Barshney, was dissatisfied with Phelps's picketing of the funerals of soldiers, and wanted to shield families from the actions of Phelps's "church". [1] The first funeral the Guard attended was held on October 27th, and over 100 riders attended. When the Patriot Guard website was put up, it received over 566,000 hits in its first two weeks, and gained a multitude of members in the same time span. While they were initially established as a motorcycle club, they do accept memberships from anyone regardless of regardless of political affiliation, veteran status, or whether they do own a motorcycle or not.
Mission Statement[edit]
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:
- 1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
- 2. We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.