Patriot Guard Riders escorting Veterans through Sanger

Yesterday was one of those unique opportunity days to experience and photograph – not a “One of those days” day like I posted Monday, but one to remember (in more ways than one) for sure. Co-worker Adam received and shared the following email:

FYI: If you live or can get anywhere near this, it will be an awesome sight to see! They will be coming down 114 from DFW to 35W, then north on 35 to Gainesville. Estimated time to leave DFW is 5:00 – all highways will be shut down to allow them to pass. By the way, these are MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS coming to Gainesville for our annual event. There will be 8-9 gentlemen being escorted in. Channel 8 helicopter supposed to fly with them, at least part of the way. There is indeed a Pearl Harbor veteran – John Finn, the oldest living survivor and MOH recipient. He will turn 100 in July. Find a safe spot to watch, and help us welcome them to our area!

This announcement is for those who wish to honor Veterans. The Patriot Guard Riders and several area police and fire departments will be escorting an unknown number of military war veterans from DFW Airport to Gainesville, Texas for a gathering to honor these veterans. It is rumored that a Pearl Harbor veteran will be among these veterans. It is estimated that 200 or more Patriot Guard Rider motorcycles will be part of the escort. This will be the largest escort of it kind to move through our area.

The date and time are as follows:
Date:   Wednesday, April 1st
Time:   Estimated time to depart DFW Airport 5:00 PM (This should put the escort in our area anywhere between 5:15 and 5:30.)
(Times are subject to change due to flight arrivals at DFW Airport).

Please put this out to as many people as possible.  Anyone wishing to show their support for these veterans are encouraged to
gather in the grassy area on the northwest corner of Trophy Lake Dr. and Hwy 114. Feel free to bring your American flags to show
your patriotism.

Sgt. Wess Tyler,  Operations Division, Trophy Club Police Department

So after work, Adam and I scrambled out to the highway, battled a stiff 30mph wind in our face, and wated for “The Guard”. It truly was a goosebump moment (several moments actually) once they arrrive. A few pictures of the motorcade escort (including several of Adam’s handsome family) are on my Flickr account: Patriot Guard Riders 4-1-09 photos

Wonderful to recognize our Veterans – grand time on a Sanger Texas IH35 highway overpass with US Flags – everyone loves a parade…this one was really kind of way-cool extra special.