On Saturday the Patriot Guard Riders and their supporters gathered to support the second of two families grieving the loss of young soldiers. We had a rider’s meeting at 8:00 am, well before the funeral, for people to gather and for protocols to be set. We easily had two or three times as many bikes as on Thursday, likely because more people could make it than on Thursday. There were trucks with coolers full of water and ice tea for the riders, and it quickly got warm enough for us to need it; after all, leather’s pretty toasty.

We were briefed by the Patriot Guard leaders and instructed to just ignore the protesters if any showed. Our primary mission is to support and honor the fallen soldier, his family, and the community. I’d like to think we did just that.

Protesters? What protesters? We were not there to acknowledge any. Again, our mission is one of patriotic support. We kept our flags held high and kept our back to anyone who might have a different motive, as we were allowed to be in front of the public or anyone else who might decide to show.

This line of supporters was a block long and pretty deep. Many veterans were in attendance. I saw local officers I know, wearing their Blue Knight colors. I also saw a few friends who are active duty Guard members. We had a diverse crowd again; sportbikes, Harleys, import cruisers, sidecar rigs, Gold Wings…the works.

It’s that unity that makes this day even more special. There were a few times I was greeted by a friend I hadn’t seen forever…Sid Hardt, one of my favorite all time DJ’s; Gary, an old riding acquaintance and teller of tall tales; some of the guys from Mandan PD. If you want to talk about diversity…come hang out in this crowd. This isn’t the kind of “diversity” that divides people; rather, we were united. And that in itself is an emotional experience.

Even the youngsters were there on their rides! They didn’t have any leather jackets or chaps though. Give them a few years, maybe they’ll grow up to be Patriot Guard riders! These kids apparently were from the neighborhood, not part of our riding group…lots of people other than that Patriot Guard Riders came to show their support.

Whenever a uniformed soldier went past to enter the church, the crowd applauded. Most of them were tearful at the display of support for them and their mission; they’re modest about what they do. We don’t underestimate their bravery and commitment, and it’s great to have the opportunity to applaud them and their service.

The Governor was there, of course…he and Mikey thanked the people gathered to support Travis’ family. Rep. Earl Pomeroy was there as well, only one day after he voted NO on a bill in the US House declaring “that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, the struggle to protect freedom from the terrorist adversary.” You’re not fooling anyone, Earl.

Again, no images from the ride; but I can sum it up for you:

Today, as expected, there was an even greater showing of support along the procession route. There were a lot of people with homemade signs applauding Travis, his family, our military forces, and our country.

Officers and military were all along the route, sharply saluting as the flag and procession went by. There were many soldiers in uniform along our route, lined up in uniform. I saw a lot of flags. A LOT of flags. Many were homemade. Taking the time to sit down and make a sign or a flag to come and stand in the heat and show support is not an impulsive thing; these people are patriots.

It was good to see employees of businesses along the route lined up as well. The median along Memorial Highway in Bismarck had a lot of people standing on the grass. The crews from the car dealerships were there. The fellas from Schwan’s quick lube building were out, hands over their hearts, as the flag went by. The staff of Roughrider Harley-Davidson were lined up tightly along the road in front of their dealership; they were busy with an annual charity day for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, but stopped the festivities as the procession went by. The most beautiful woman in the world was standing there too, looking on in a spring dress…she doesn’t really understand why I’m such a motorcycle and speed enthusiast, but she understands that I am.

All the way to the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery we saw cars pulled over with people standing in support. There was a crane with the flag held high above the boom. People young and old, clean cut and otherwise all took part in this day. As Travis’ loved ones look back on this day I hope that’s the memory that they keep with them.

I can’t imagine that lonely ride down Highway 1806, knowing that their beloved soldier isn’t coming back. But hundreds, probably thousands of people stood with you that day. As most of the homemade signs said, “God Bless America” and “God Bless Our Troops!”

As you know, today was the funeral for Curtis Mehrer, one of two fallen Bismarck soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Over 200 motorcyclists, myself included, were in attendance to support his family and loved ones, brothers and sisters in arms, and to make sure no monkey business took place. Fortunately the Phelps jackasses did not show, although I am told they have a permit to protest on Saturday morning.

Many of these men and women would have been here anyway, I’m sure; there were many veterans among the ranks of the riders. These riders are no strangers to the flag or the uniform and the respect they are due. While there was a solemn air over the grounds today, there was also a sense of brotherhood.

As you can imagine, ALL branches of local and state law enforcement were present. If any weirdos were to try crashing this affair, they could be dealt with. It’s uncommon to see the “bad biker” types standing around with law enforcement, so it was nice to see the stereotypes shattered for a little while. I can only describe the attitudes there as “professional courtesy.” We got a lot of waves from city, county, and state officers.

As the procession exited the church the soldiers were sharply at attention. Also standing tall were the biker guard, flags held high with pride and respect for the fallen soldier. The loss of this young man is sobering…also sobering was the atmosphere here as we united in respect of the sacrifice he made for his country.

I really didn’t like the feeling of being among the photographers outside the funeral. It feels cheap. But I wasn’t there to get a “scoop” or to try to get hits for my silly little blog; I was there to ride, and to bring back images to show you the honor and respect shown here today. Thankfully this family didn’t have to deal with the horror of protests; I’m sure today was overwhelming enough. But maybe they’ll see some of these pictures someday and recall how people came out to honor their son.

The riders were given the duty of escorts out to the Veteran’s cemetery at Fort Abraham Lincoln. This is a remarkable duty, one we should feel honored to receive. Many of the officers in attendance and others coming out of the church were shaking our hands and patting us on the back as they walked past the lines of motorcycles. I think they were relieved that there weren’t any protestors and were reassured that people were lined up to protect the dignity of the ceremony.

Obviously I can’t take pictures and ride safely at the same time, so I have none. But among some of the other images I have, I’ll tell you what I did see.

I was overwhelmed with patriotic pride and emotion as we left the church to see people stopped on along our way and on the street corners to pay their respects to this young man, his family, and the other soldiers. There were flags on cars and flags being held and waved. All the way the procession and flag were saluted.

As we passed by many of the businesses we saw lines of uniformed employees standing at attention… Cedric Theel Toyota, Schwann Pontiac, Open Road Honda and Roughrider Harley-Davidson, Bill Barth Ford, and many others let their employees stand for this man.

Public and private road crews working along our route stopped and saluted. One worker cheered with both hands in the air as a motorcycle with a large flag went by. I saw moms point at the flag as we passed and explain to their kids. One mom with her children stood by the Sitting Bull Bridge in Mandan, hands over their hearts as the flag went by.

Along the route I saw lots of cars and trucks, many of them work vehicles, stopped and their occupants standing by the side of the road. As we rode down Highway 1806 towards Fort Lincoln I saw more vehicles pulled over, some with their hats in hand over their hearts.

That’s my America. These are the people that liberals scoff at as uneducated, superstitious morons. These people have respect for our soldiers, our flag, and the country they represent. They know the meaning of the words respect and honor. They’re aware of something bigger than themselves, and I don’t mean global warming. They’re aware that soldiers risk their lives every day so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do, and honor that. Hundreds of them showed that honor and respect today.

You see, these people certainly weren’t saluting the bikers, although there are many veterans among the riders. They were saluting something greater, something even bigger than Curtis and Travis. They were saluting our country, our God-given freedoms and those who sacrifice to protect them.

Of course we were all there today to honor a fallen soldier, to remind ourselves that he willingly gave his life because he pledged to do so, and served when his country called. We also honor the loss of those who were close to him and whose grief is so great. Such soldiers tend to be very modest about what they do. Their sense of duty is what helps us sleep at night. Americans who serve when called and put their nation before themselves make our country great.

It’s pretty sobering to be a part of a procession like that, to see such patriotism poured out. I suppose that’s why I’m being dramatic in my writing. But today I saw honor and respect on display, the likes of which should be a part of every day in America. Rather than hear soldiers being accused of atrocities and war crimes by politicians with a (D) next to their name, I’d just like to see everybody show more respect for our military, our flag, and our country. Today the street corners and parkings lots had many people doing just that.

That’s the part that had me teary-eyed. I can’t talk about how I knew Curtis and Travis…I didn’t. Some people from my church did. But I got to see a lot of people who never knew them — all kinds of people, lots of them taking time from work — who still feel a sense of connection and a wish to honor these men. North Dakota has a lot of soldiers serving overseas right now. They do so for our sakes. How could a person not feel a connection to them?

There were so many motorcycles that, doubled up, we still took the length of Memorial Highway. Once we got to the cemetery we had to go all the way around the circular road to let the rest of the procession in. It was at this time that I needed to get back to work; I’m one of the fortunate ones who was able to take time to participate and show support, but I also had responsibilities back at the shop.

At least one guy there told me that his boss told all his employees a few days ago that if they were participating today, to “make sure you put it on your time card. YOU’RE GETTING PAID.” Amen to that! Obviously we have a pretty high ratio of patriots in Bismarck-Mandan.

I took the big bike today. Normally I’d be really out of place among so many “bikers”; sportbike riders and Harley riders don’t exactly mix. But on a day like today we were all unified. I kinda get a pass on circulating with the Harley guys, since I’ve moonlighted for a pair of Harley-Davidson shops for ten years, and I’ve met some of these guys through ABATE. But today we were all one pack, riding in support of those who have lost their son, their brother, their friend.

What lies before us now? The ugly business of dealing with the wackos on Saturday. I pray they just don’t show up at all. It would be best if we were just able to honor these fallen soldiers without having to deal with a freakshow. In any case, the bikers will be there to make sure the family doesn’t have that awful task.