Mission Statement/Policy and Protocol
The Florida Patriot Guard exists solely to fulfill the American Legion Riders Mission Statement as rendered in Mulvane, Kansas in 2005. We will adhere to, and only be bound by, the heart of that mission statement. We will:
- Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
- Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester, group of protesters, and any unwanted guests.
- Accomplish this “shielding” through strictly legal and non-violent means
To that end we, The Florida Patriot Guard, vow to observe certain protocols and policies:
- Our organizational mission focus will be those who have been Killed In Action (KIA).We will pay our respects, and render honor to our fallen defenders and their families, as they deserve from representatives of a grateful nation, without any paramilitary overtones, in quiet dignity.
- We will act in such a manner as to ensure that the fallen defender and that family remain the center of attention and focus during every mission.
- We will not abide those who violate the Stolen Valor Act claiming military honors or status, which they have not earned through their service to our country.
- We will not profit from the terrible sacrifices made by those who have served us in the preservation of our freedoms.
- We will conduct ourselves honorably at all times during missions and on the Florida Patriot Guard web-site.
- We accept into our organization all patriotic Americans in Florida, who seek to honor America’s heroes in similar fashion, regardless of race, creed, or political affiliation. You do not have to own, or ride, a motorcycle to be part of the Florida Patriot Guard.
- The Florida Patriot Guard chooses to avoid any official affiliation with 1% MCs.
"We absolutely understand that many 1% club members are veterans and non-veterans who wish to honor our fallen American Heroes. We respect their intent in that matter; however we also understand the need for a patriotic organization that Law Enforcement and active military personnel can join without violating the oaths and accountabilities of their chosen career. Because we have no official affiliation with 1% MCs, the Florida Patriot Guard is that organization."
- We, The Florida Patriot Guard, will work in harmony with the Florida chapter of the nationally organized Patriot Guard Riders whenever possible.
- The Florida Patriot Guard will focus on setting a Flag Line at the entrance to the Cemetery, where the fallen defender will be buried.
- When the procession has entered the cemetery, we will stand for the graveside ceremony, man the PGR Flag Line, or depart the area as we chose individually.
- We will coordinate missions with Florida PGR leadership when ever possible.
- We will not adopt an insignia to identify us as an organization. The Stars and Stripes will be our only banner.
- All members, and those we proudly stand with at these missions, are welcome to wear their colors, vests, or other appropriate identifying insignia
- As representatives of a grateful nation, we will not give anyone cause to demean our character, at missions or on our website. As members of The Florida Patriot Guard, we will not demean the character of others, at missions, nor on our website.
- We, as The Florida Patriot Guard, will remember that every American involved in every honor mission is involved for the same reason. We are all there to honor a fallen American hero, and pay our respects to the family of the fallen.
| We, The Florida Patriot Guard, are not in competition with the Florida PGR. To the contrary, we will work in harmony with that organization as much as is possible. We are an extension of the American Legion Riders who founded the missions of the PGR in Mulvane, Kansas in 2004 and 2005. a. We do not “recruit” from among the ranks of the Florida PGR. |
Stolen Valor Act
All posers who pass themselves off in violation of the “Stolen Valor Act”, and trouble-makers who seek to initiate strife within Florida Patriot Guard website, will be publicly exposed for who, and what, they really are.
Monday, June 26, 2006 |
This is why the Bill was necessary In order to perform our mission we are required from time to time to shield the families of the fallen from protestors. At a recent funeral these knuckle dragging, hellbound neanderthals showed their ugly faces at a fallen hero's funeral. These low life pond scum are from a hate group based in Kansas that call themselves a church. They are exercising the rights that these young men and women fought for.
They are publicty whores who thrive on coverage and make their living by suing anyone who violates there rights. That's right, the very rights these young people have died defending. These people are doing the devil's work. There is a special place in hell for these people and the sooner they make the journey the better.
On October 31, 2007 Mr. Albert Snyder won a court case against the Westboro Baptist Church. Members of the church had picketed the funeral of Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder in March 2006. Mr. Snyder decided to fight back. A jury awarded the family $11 million.
It is not over for the Snyder family. The Phelps have vowed to fight the judgement and a long legal battle looms in the future for the grieving family. If you'd like to help the Snyder family in their struggle against this hate group you can find out how at their website.
More Good News
So often the news we see coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan is negative and disheartening. I wanted to share a video with you that shows some of the good coming from our involvement in these conflicts. My friend Steve Wilson just returned from a tour in the sandbox and he has contributed a video worth watching. You can see it here.
Who We AreSimply put, we are American patriots who desire to carry on the tradition established by the American Legion Riders, out of Mulvane, Kansas. The Florida Patriot Guard is made up of individual volunteers, from every walk of life, who seek to support the families of America's fallen defenders and honor those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our freedom. We are made up of active and retired military, law enforcement, emergency service workers, civil servants, and civilians. As a voluntary organization with no agenda beyond rendering honor and paying respect to those families of KIA military service personnel, we make no demands and set no boundaries beyond our mission Statement/Policy and Protocol for our members. Members may participate in any type of mission they choose, with any other organization they choose, at any time they choose. The Florida Patriot Guard, receives invitations directly from the families separate and apart from any other organization. While we would like to see massive turnouts for every mission, we understand that many have daily responsibilities to family and business. No one will be chastised for their attendance record, because there is no record. What we do is done because we want to do it, not because we feel ashamed for not doing it. Whether you attend every mission, or very few, you are appreciated for your contribution to the organization's missions and the family's well being. It is our goal to work in cooperation with any other patriotic group who seeks to honor fallen Americans who are killed in action, and pay respect to the families of those fallen Americas, by manning flag lines and shielding the mourners from unwanted interference by any other individual or group, regardless of origin. |