"Who are those people?"

We've been here before...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She came out of the side doors of the funeral home. Slight, stooped, beautiful head full of white hair. She paused her walker and raised her head and shook, startled at what she saw. Almost two dozen Patriot Guard Riders standing, about half standing perpendicular to the hearse going back about fifteen feet then lined up behind and reaching the building itself.

She saw leather adorned with many different sized and shaped and colored pins and patches. Gray hair, beards some long, some short. Some without either. Some with leather faces. Strangers mostly. Only a couple knew the man that would soon exit those doors.

I couldn't see, but I'm assuming she jumped again when as that flag-draped coffin was rolled out the door and our Road Captain firmly called us to attention and ordered "Present arms!"

I was hoping that then she was starting to see just who these people are. Veterans, mostly, combat soldiers, mostly. Men and women that refuse to allow a soldier to go on their last ride without an escort. Glad to spend time and resources to watch as a total stranger is laid to rest.

Most of the ones I've spoken and rode with seem to be loners. Only in a group when they have the opportunity permits. They come in from all over Oklahoma. Usually alone or maybe in small groups. Those folks from Texas will always be represented. Some with club patches, most without.