Today as I was leaving the grocery store,  I had the privilege to meeting some pretty special men who honor our fallen hero.  The Patriot Guard Riders are local men and women all over the county,  who ride motorcycles or hogs,  that volunteer to show up to honor the hero fallen heroes of United States.   You might recall these are the amazing men and women who have shown up at fallen solider funerals to shown respect and have shield the love ones from protestors.

There were not protestors today, a few news vans.  The local charter was out today to stand for Fallen Fireman Captain Michael Goodwin. Goodwin died Saturday night in the line of duty, battling a fire that began in a South Philadelphia fabric store.

I was fortunate to speak with Moose Simon (seen above) the past director of the local Buck county chapter told me a little about what they do.  He said said he has been attending for 8 years,  his bike seeing over 80K miles in patriot rides..  They ride and stand quietly honoring service men, veterans, police and fireman. It is is a way of showing respect.   I was at the store several hours before the funeral precession was to arrive,  and more motorcycles arrived as I spoke to Moose, The normally loud bikes.. coming and sitting quietly wait for the hero.

The Patriot Guards ride  either by request or the family or on there own  stays respectfully present for the Fallen Hero.  I loved the passion  and patriotism these men showed for their country and the men/women who serve.  Moose told me many of the World War II vets don’t have many who attend there services so we like to show up and pay our respects and thank them.  He said they put the call out to the riders, via email,  and who can come will come,  flying the Stars and Stripes with Pride!  

The local Buck County Pa chapter of Patriot Guard Riders has  about 150 riders.  National the Patriot Guard has 250K member and is not expanding to Canada.

So as Philadelphia mourns today for the loss of a great hero.  I feel thankful that men like Moose and his riders are there to honor those who have passed.

Thank You Patriot Guards Riders