(Photo: Former Marine Lt. Col.
Bruce Kelly at the funeral for fallen Marine Cpl. Andres
Aquilar)
Several weeks ago,
after viewing a CBS news feature regarding this group, I visited their web
site. It seems that they formed, in the main, as a backlash against a
lunatic church out of Kansas who has made it their business to travel to the
funerals of the fallen to cast aspersions against the deceased and their
families while getting as close to the services as the law will allow. Yes,
it seems that in their demented, depraved
view-interpretation, of whatever religious screed
that they cite as a primary reference (I presume the bible, but they sure
have made a twisted leap of perverted logic.), they have determined that ;
A] The U.S. supports gay rights.
B] The U.S. armed forces accepts gay recruits.
C] Perforce, those troops in Iraq DESERVE to die
and have been meted a just fate by God.
Or some such rubbish…
Anyway, this “church” (actually, all members are
linked to one family {Hmmmmmmm?}, its ranks comprised of multiple
lawyers-----no doubt awaiting an opportunity to parlay this madness into a
“big-score” lawsuit.) have taken it upon themselves to hoist placards with
such slogans as, “Thank God for I.E.D.s,” or “Your son deserved to die.”
Brilliant, tasteful, and totally within the bounds of ANY religious tract
I’ve ever read… I-yi-yi-yi-yi!
At any event, in a measure to counter these
poltroons while protecting the family the “Patriot Guard” (PG) has risen to
the fore. Numbering some 23,000 members nationally, the PG has created their
own network to remain on the alert for services of warriors fallen. The
curators of the PG web site list “Pending Missions,” “Updates to Itinerary,”
and “Missions Complete.” From region to region, individuals answer-up to the
call of a pending mission. With one central, regional volunteer to
coordinate matters, to include family permission, planning is conducted and
“the word” spreads. I am certain that each mission is special beyond words
but allow me to tell you about one that occurred down here in South Texas.
When I initially checked the PG website I noted
that a local Marine from Mathis Texas (about 30 miles north of Corpus
Christi) had been killed the week prior: 21-year-old Cpl. Andres Aquilar. I
immediately began tracking the thread of the pending mission and then
volunteered to support the effort to honor this young Marine. The mission
was to be two-fold. Day one; Meet in Victoria Texas at a specified rally
point, ride in formation to the funeral home, escort the body to a memorial
service in Victoria, and then escort the Marine and his family to Mathis for
final interment the following day.
Did I mention that the PG was comprised
predominantly of motorcyclists? Yeah, I knew I left out something important.
Well, upon arrival at the rally point I was not sure what I was going to
encounter. Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised. About 35 to 40 bikes
all lined up in proper order. Members, about 95% veterans (many of Vietnam
service, in fact), were moving around greeting new arrivals. Despite the
fact that, essentially, no one knew one another each arrival was greeted
warmly and sincerely. Virtually all the bikes sported 3x5 U.S. flags rigged
to fly from the rear seat-sissy bar. Not to be outdone, as a retired Marine,
I unfurled my 3x5 U.S.M.C. colors and mounted them proudly on my Harley. The
presence of that flag was to have personal implications of great import
later that day and the next.
Detailed instructions were professionally passed to
the group and we prepared to move out. No mention of any protestors was
uttered. I should also mention that the PG has moved well beyond the threat
of any protest and is now entirely devoted to honoring the fallen…they have
even requested that the any mention of the church with the PG web site be
halted.
At the family’s specific request the PG was asked
to fall-in directly in front of the hearse and the Marine Corps funeral
detail. We were to have the honor of leading this Marine to his final
bivouac!! And as I had mounted my Marine Corps colors, I was selected to
lead the PG directly behind the lead law enforcement vehicle! Though
unspoken, all knew that this would be a day that none would forget. We were
right.
Well Meriwether, I’ve probably “expounded at
length” here, so I’ll attempt a succinct conclusion.
As one rider later phrased it, “Small town
patriotism is alive and well in South Texas.”
With all bikes flying the National Ensign, riding
slowly in a staggered formation through the streets of Victoria to the
church and back this quote was borne out. Leaving Victoria for the 90-mile
trek to Mathis it became even more pronounced. Not only did the people of
Victoria line their streets to pay respect, but it seemed that, later, as we
moved deeper into South Texas the response was even more visible. While
rolling down farm-to market-highways and the interstate all traffic and
vehicles flowing in the opposite direction pulled to the shoulder.
Law enforcement in each small town; Goliad,
Beeville, San Patricio County, etc., provided unimpeded escort and honors.
Even more striking was the groups of people gathered and lined the sidewalks
of these towns, waving small flags, school kids and old vets saluting as a
gesture of respect. It was truly a humbling experience. And while I have
grown to dislike the overuse of what was once a fine word, it certainly
provides an apt description herein: AWESOME.
But these feelings of humility were only beginning.
The greeting that the procession received in Mathis defies description.
Mathis, a city of very modest means to say the least, turned out with all
the patriotism that they could display. All school students were in
attendance along the route wearing their maroon Mathis Pirates shirts…a
special chord was struck within me, in that this was the very same style
shirt that my late wife would wear for special events when she taught school
at Mathis Grammar School. Flags of all sizes were everywhere. The town’s
tornado siren began wailing to the accompaniment of all Mathis emergency
vehicles. And, again, the hand salutes rendered by young and old alike. Any
reference to “dry eyes” needs not be mentioned.
Later, after the funeral, when we all mustered in
some Mathis Circle-K parking lot I shook hands all around and said my say;
It’s so sad that one has to meet such great folks as the PG and many others
under such tragic, horrible circumstances.
Semper Fi,
Kelly, out
