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Over the years, I have not been shy about bashing “bikers”.  Some of it is very legitimate in my opinion.  I have seen firsthand coolers full of beer tapped during pit-stops not the end of day refreshment.  For that, there is no excuse and no tolerance.   That said, I have also grown a soft spot for bikers - their patriotism.

I have been  member of the Patriot Guard Riders for over a year now and have went on one of their rides.  Yeah, on my Futura donning my textile, armored jacket, let’s just say I didn’t blend.  Didn’t matter though, as I was easily accepted as one of the Guard.

I am too young to recall the Vietnam War firsthand.  I know only what I have read, seen, and been told.  What is curious to me is the link between bikers and Vietnam veterans.  It seems that most bikers ‘of age’ are in fact Vietnam veterans.  Maybe its the post-war want of more freedom that the open road offers coupled with one of the greatest American icons - Harley Davidson.

Today marks a day in which there is a massive (heh…yeah right) anti-Iraq War (and of course, anti-Bush) protest starting at the Vietnam Memorial and ending at the Pentagon.  Word got out that some groups were ‘considering’ damaging the Wall with spray paint and/or even worse - acid that would etch the stone.  I put it in quotes because no one really knows the validity of the claim.  However it was serious enough that a whole bunch of Vietnam veterans (read: about 95% bikers) decided to protect their Wall and the memory of their brothers.  Enough so that the count of counter-protesters equalled or surpassed the amount of protestors.

Once again, the PGR put out their statement about the event, and one word comes to mind:  CLASS.  Take a look:

<blockquote>Hello Folks,

This is the official response of the Board Of Directors of the Patriot Guard Riders in regards to the Gathering of Eagles scheduled to take place on March 17^th, 2007 at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.  We urge our members to follow their conscience and participate in this event if that is their desire as individuals.  In regards to your PGR gear, that is yours, wear it proudly and as you see fit.  It is not our place or desire to dictate what our members wear and where they wear it.

This event is not a Patriot Guard Riders mission; we support each of you in your own decision to attend or not.  The organizations rallying this endeavor are more than capable of organizing this event without the PGR.  The support of our individual members will surely be welcomed.  Stand tall and silent my friends as is our custom.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall is sacred ground.  It is considered as such by the Patriot Guard Riders. 58,000 American Soldiers are remembered on that majestic granite wall and their memories are part of the foundation of the PGR’s soul.  “Never Again” is a term we have all come to know and love and the words are not hollow in the eyes of the Patriot Guard Riders, nor the Board of Directors that guide the PGR .

In closing, support this endeavor as you see fit.  Stand in support of the organizations that are rallying to insure no defacement happens to that hallowed ground.  Stand for those who stood for US.  Do the memory of those heroes proud who are listed on the Wall.  Do the PGR proud by remembering the avenues of respect we practice daily and hold dear our methods of operation.

Thank You….</blockquote>

Here is the link, but you may have to be a member of the PGR to read it (join anyway).  Note the emphasis (that I added) about respect and civility.  If the main organizers of the counter-protest are anything like the PGR, it will be civil and our side will not be instigating.

While I don’t want any part of the ‘biker lifestyle’, I cannot respect enough the dedication these guys have to our flag and our soldiers - past and present.  They did not choose to organize to support the current Iraq War, but rather to protect what is theirs and support their brothers and sisters in arms at war overseas.  These guys have earned my respect and I have checked my automatic-bashing comments out of respect.

Even though my bike is fully wrapped in plastic, has no chrome, and I wear a helmet and textile gear…I’d ride with these guys any time.  To all the folks who attended the counter-protest to defend the Wall, even though I have never served, THANKS.