Thanks, Patriots

Friday was a day of great contrasts for a dedicated group of loyal patriots, who in the morning said "goodbye and farewell" to James Swett, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and World War II flying ace. Much later that same Friday evening, about 20 members of that same group again took time out from their busy schedules to welcome home as only they can a living, breathing member of the U.S. Armed Forces, Mitchell Bottema, who was returning to Happy Valley with his new bride, Thia, following a 20-year career with the U.S. Navy.

It is a truly heartfelt gesture of thanks for a job well done and recognition of service to country above self that this group bestows on returning servicemen and servicewomen, most of whom they have never met before.

Members of the group are well known to each other, most likely because their frequent meetings often are extended due to unscheduled flight delays. This provides members of the group, which is often a very fluid mix of personalities, the opportunity to swap stories and share with one another more aspects of their individual lives.

In observing these individuals, which I have had the privilege of doing on several occasions recently, one is struck first by the deep convictions that many hold that all service is worthy of recognition, even if only briefly while walking through an airport terminal to meet family members.

Duty to country is something these self-dubbed Patriot Riders all share. Most, if not all, have personally served in the armed forces. Their leather motorcycle vests usually sport patches indicating any overseas assignments if not the era during which that person served. More common yet are the patches indicating in which branch of the U.S. military each person served.

Whether arriving via motorcycle or car, almost to a person, each one carries a large American flag that promptly gets unfurled even before the collapsible aluminum standard is fully extended.

Some show up with wives or girlfriends.

On Friday, one retired Marine showed up with his Yorkshire terrier, Rocky" in a special belly pack that allows the diminutive pet a full view of the action unfolding beyond the motorcycle's windscreen.

Families for whom this honor is given are often overwhelmed by the show of unsolicited support for their returning loved one. Usually, the request for such a greeting comes from a friend of the family or community member who is made aware of the arrival time and date.

Sometimes it is planned weeks in advance and sometimes it happens almost spontaneously.

But rain or shine, the Patriot Guard is there, standing proud with their tri-color banners, genuine smiles and hearty handshakes or hugs.

Well done, Patriot Guard. And thank you one and all!

Your willingness to honor our men and women in service, either those fallen or those simply returning home, is much appreciated.