Patriot Guard pays respect
On Thursday, July 29, Sabine Patriot Guard members escorted Robert “Bob” Vern Treese, 78, of Florien to his final resting place at Prospect Cemetery in Florien.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. These riders have one thing in common besides motorcycles, their unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.
What someone rides or if they ride, what political views they may have, or which motorcycle club one may belong to does not matter. The only prerequisite to being a member of this fast growing origination is respect.
The main mission of the Patriot Guard is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission that riders undertake has two basic objectives; show sincere respect for fallen heroes, their families, and their communities and shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters. Currently enlisted and retired military, such as Treese, are honored.
During his 21 years in the U.S. Army, Treese served in the Koren War and the Cuban Missile Crisis before retiring. Officers from V.F.W. 4858 were present at Thursday’s ceremony and the Ft. Polk Honor Guard offered a 21 gun salute and presented his widow, Janice, with the American flag.
The Patriot Guard started back in July of 2005 when The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association made the first ride for SPC Meyers of St Joseph, Mo. Because the TCVM were rather small in comparison to many of the Veterans organizations across the country, they invited anyone and everyone who wanted to ride to go along.
Today the mass number of Patriot Guard members that can be seen fullfilling their duties at services for today’s fallen heroes and those of wars past has grown tremendously. Anyone wishing to join the origination or make donations can find more information at www.patriotguard.org. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran.
