Patriot Guard Riders

Patriot Guard Riders

Cabbie, Conan, and Bartender have one thing in common, they are members of the Patriot Guard Riders and each has a voice in the documentary film of the same name. “Cabbie” is a scholarly Viet Nam vet with a ponytail and graying beard. “Conan” is an ex-Marine with a wife and family, and “Bartender?” He’s just a kid who watched his dad participate in motorcycle rides with a special purpose and wanted to be a part of it.

Director Ellen Frick took the germ of an idea and created a documentary film, “Patriot Guard Riders”. The movie not only educates, it awakens everyone lucky enough to see it to history in the making and the best of human nature.

The Westboro Baptist Church caused quite a stir in the media when they vehemently and irreverently protested the funerals of fallen soldiers. Often traveling hundreds of miles to spread their message of hate, the women and children of the family protested legally, much to the horror of the grief stricken communities.

The Patriot Guard Riders do not come galloping in on sturdy steeds with shining armor. These volunteer veterans and concerned citizens dress in practical leathers and boots mounted on Harley-Davidsons or motorcycles of their choosing to roar their support for the fallen and allow families and friends to grieve undisturbed.

Had the movie just been about the clash of good vs. evil, it would have been a short. Frick, with astute interviewing skills and excellent editing (along with Gretchen Burger), provided a safe place for family members and veterans from other wars to voice on film, perhaps for the first time ever, their emotions.

“Patriot Guard Riders” is a poignant reminder that unfortunately wars have always been a part of this earth and respect for those willing to sacrifice for their country, regardless of the conflict, should not be forgotten.

At the moment, “Patriot Guard Riders” is not available on Netflix or Amazon.com; however, information about purchasing the DVD or arranging community and educational screenings can be found at www.patriotguardmovie.com. For more information about the Patriot Guard Riders go to http://www.patriotguard.org/