They ride with pride. They ride for the fallen. They ride with honor, dignity and respect.
They are the Patriot Guard Riders.
Just who is this group? “The Patriot Guard Riders started about 10 years ago by a group of American Legion motorcycle riders,” said Massachusetts PGR Ride Captain Rick Wood, who has supported more than 100 funerals. “People from the Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas were protesting a funeral so a bunch of riders showed up to support the family with a flag line between the protesters and family members. Originally, you had to be a veteran and own a Harley to join, but now anyone can be a member. You just have to have a patriotic passion.”
Each state has a captain and there are also ride captains appointed for specific regions of the state. Wood serves as the ride captain for burials south of Boston, including Bourne National Cemetery. Currently, there are about 500 Patriot Guard Riders in Massachusetts. The volunteer nonprofit works to ensure dignity and respect at fallen military, first responders and honorably discharged veterans’ funerals.
Wood has a personal interest in showing his appreciation to military families as his brother is a Vietnam veteran. “After seeing how my brother was treated when he returned from Vietnam and seeing veterans be spit on when they got home and called baby killers, I said I can’t let any more veterans be treated like that,” he said. “Back then it was a draft and they thought they were doing the right thing. Today’s wars are all volunteers. They deserve respect. I go to every Vietnam veteran’s funeral. I want to make sure the families know I care. A lot of people in the country don’t know what a Gold Star family is. I have gotten to meet a lot of Gold Star family members--people who have lost a son, daughter or spouse--and so many are committed now to veteran’s organizations. Those are the people who really inspire me. I am always taken back when people hug me and tell me how much they appreciate our support. They don’t have to thank me.”
As the director of the Boston’s Wounded Veteran Run, who organizes four motorcycle themed events each year, Wood and the organization have raised more than $130,000 for veterans, many of whom are double and triple amputees. “I once had a kid say to me that he hasn’t smiled since he returned from the war,” Wood said. “That’s why I do what I do, to see someone become alive again.”
For more information on the Patriot Guard Riders, visit https://www.patriotguard.org.
