Have you ever wondered about the line of people holding flags at the curb of funeral homes or cemeteries?
They are the Northwest Louisiana Patriot Guard Riders, a group with chapters in every state that was started by American Legion riders 20 years ago after disruptions at services for those killed in action. They began to shield and protect families and friends of the deceased from radicalized individuals, said Louis McGinty, a local Patriot Guard Rider.
Westboro Baptist Church members in Topeka, Kansas, had a history of targeting services for fallen soldiers.
The guard is made up of volunteers, not members who pay dues. Families pay nothing. The PGR has regions with captains and districts.
“I’m proud to do it; it doesn’t matter if it’s Springhill or Coushatta,” McGinty said.
A mission is announced, and volunteers are sought. Funeral homes are fully aware of whom to contact among the riders and call to make arrangements for the deceased member’s family.
The guard can show up for veteran funerals at churches, funeral homes and cemeteries and serve as escorts with law enforcement.
They go to private funeral homes or the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
Anywhere from eight to 20 people show up, McGinty said. One does not have to have a motorcycle or be a cycling enthusiast to stand with the group in a flag line.
McGinty has traveled to Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee in service.
There is also a Patriot Riders Memorial Day bike ride.
Sometimes there is cooperation with the Disabled American Veterans, which provides urns to unclaimed veterans.
“This makes up for some of the bad in my past. I know I am doing the right thing by paying my respects. It satisfies me in my head and in my heart,” McGinty said.
He has heard gratitude from family members through the years.
The riders escorted the hearse from the funeral home to the cemetery and stood by during the funeral of my father, said Lorie Harper.
“Afterward, they presented us with a plaque, which was touching. Their willingness to honor Dad meant an awful lot to our family. To a military family, their presence and recognition were greatly appreciated.”
Donna Reyenga said that while she was at Dillard’s picking out a tie to go with her father’s suit, which he had bought two years earlier for his funeral, and during one of the most difficult times after his death, she received a call from the funeral home.
The only date available to bury her father before Christmas was Nov. 18, and they were not sure whether anyone would be available to provide full military honors. They were not sure whether there would be a gun salute.
“My father served his country. He flew AC-130 gunships in Vietnam, serving four tours. He had fought for our country, our freedom, and no gun salute? I about lost it then and told them if there was no gun salute, there was no funeral.”
Her sister had asked around and found the Patriot Guard Riders.
“While trying to find a local group, I received a call back from the cemetery telling me my father would receive full military honors,” Reyenga said.
She said it was a relief to find out about the Patriot Guard.
“The men and women who have served our country deserve full military honors, for them and their families.”
