It's all about respect.
The North Dakota Patriot Guard is there to greet returning military heroes and to escort fallen military heroes along their final routes of travel.
Jeffery Peterson of Grand Forks is Northeast Ride Captain for North Dakota. And he was there with other local members of the Patriot Guard when the movie "Honor Flight" was shown in February in East Grand Forks.
The Patriot Guard comes to honor veterans at such events. They are so unobtrusive, you might not be aware of them. They come, when requested by families, to provide a wall of flags and provide respect at military funerals.
Although it is sometimes mistaken for a motorcycle club, the Patriot Guard includes people who don't even ride. The Patriot Guard Riders group was formed several years ago to shelter and protect the families of deceased war veterans from protesters. And they did this by drowning out chants of protesters by revving up their motorcycles and singing patriotic songs.
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The group will take part in the annual Red River Valley Motorcyclists show coming up at the Alerus Center April 13 and 14. This year, proceeds for the motorcycle event will go to the proposed Sunshine Home in Grand Forks.
Jeffery Peterson shares his patriotism and his love of bikes with his wife Karen. Together they have biked for thousands of miles, all over the country, on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. And they hope for miles and miles to go.
Peterson has taken part in military funerals with burials at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, N.D. And the Petersons have taken part in the annual gathering of Patriot Guard bikers that draws 300 to 500 people on bikes to Dickinson, N.D., in June.
The Patriot Guard has had strong support from former Gov. John Hoeven, who is now a member of the U.S. Senate. He often shows up at events where the Patriot Guard is present.
Peterson says the Patriot Guard is always looking for members, and there probably are 600 now. Those interested can sign up at the Guard's website www.ndpg.org .
North Dakota Patriot Guard is probably better known in the Bismarck-Mandan area. At one funeral for a policeman in that area, there were more than 400 riders following the hearse.
There are more than 26 names of fallen U.S. military service members who had strong ties with North Dakota. Names of those who were lost in the Global War on Terrorism are included in the memorial at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck.
The only prerequisite for the Patriot Guard Riders and the North Dakota Patriot Guard is an unwavering respect. As the statement reads, "respect for those who risk their very lives, every day, for America's freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us. We don't care if you ride, what 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."
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Reach Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or (701) 772-1055.
