On Sunday, March 11, 2007, the Southeast Chapter of the Patriot Guard was thrilled to welcome Pvt. Brian Gilmore back to U.S. soil and escort him to his home in League City, TX.
It was a beautiful day on the coast as LB and I rode to the gathering point at the Sheraton Hotel on JFK Blvd. It is always an incredible sight to turn into the parking lot and see all the bikes that have come out to support our troops. This was my first Welcome Home ride and it was great to see laughter and cheers rather than sadness and tears.
At the gathering, SE PGR captain JohnnyD displayed a flag donated to the chapter by Speedy, currently serving in Iraq. The flag was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity verifying that it had flown in battle and was given to the SE PGR in appreciation of their efforts on behalf of soldiers.
After the safety briefing, the mother of Pvt. Gilmore told us how much she appreciated us coming out to greet her son. She was truly thrilled that we were there. Also attending were the parents of Pfc. Nathaniel Given, for whom the guard rode on January 6, 2007. Gosh, that must have been hard for them to attend a welcome home ride when their son didn’t make it back. They were given the honor of leading the escort on their Harley. Truly cool.
At the airport, we staged in the far left lane directly in front of Terminal D. There was a little delay, so we had plenty of time to walk around and check out the bikes. LB and I started in the middle, going opposite directions and counted the bikes. There were 110 total, 107 bikes and 3 trikes. In addition, we had the usual escort truck and this time the honor car that carried Pvt. Gilmore. What a sight! Everyone at the airport took notice, which was the intention. We need to honor our soldiers.
The ride to League City was 48 miles and took about an hour and a half. It is an awesome sight to see an escort of this length. People were gawking at us the entire route. Pulling into the neighborhood, the streets were lined with neighbors and flags lined Pvt. Gilmore’s home. A short reception was held and then the ride was over. Very, very good day. Hoorah!
F.Scott"Hoggywood"Given says
March 13, 2007 at 1:16 pmThank You BigJolly for the great comments and supporting my son Nathan. Riding point for Brian’s home comming was my second PGR ride after joining, the first was for Anthony A. from Channelview’s funeral. I was not sure if I was ready to ride in a homecomming because it was tough enough to ride for Anthony but I need to stay busy and I remember how seeing the PG at my son’s funeral help turn some of the pain into pride. I was actually afraid to ride in a home comming but not only because it really hurt alot inside for me and my wife personaly but because I did not want to be a stick in the mud and ruin Brian and his family’s wonderful day. right after I parked by his house I walked up to him and gave him a hug and thanked him for his service and then walked away. I stood back in the crowd for a couple of minuets and then I made eye contack with Boomer, saluted him and walked back to my bike with my wife to leave, Boomer must have said something to Brian because he ran over to us gave me a really long hug and thanked us for being there, I told Brian thank you for his service and reminded him that today was about him and told him to tell his mother that he loved her every day. Thank You PGR riders, and thank you Brian.
Katfish says
March 13, 2007 at 2:44 pmKatfish here – I want to share how much it meant to ME to ride alongside you and your wife SIR!
There aren’t many I’ll remain ‘wheel to wheel’ with unless I know them and their riding habits quite well – your steady hands may have belied the heartstrings that were no DOUBT being pulled while you helped us on our welcome home mission.
Should I live to be 250 years old I’ll never forget that very first “OOO-RAH” we gave at Nathan’s mission. THANKS again for you and your wonderful warrior son’s sacrifices for our freedoms. We will NEVER FORGET!
Katfish
Bigjolly says
March 14, 2007 at 12:55 pmMr. Katfish, thank you for the road guard and escort work. Good job the other day.
Bigjolly says
March 14, 2007 at 12:50 pmThank you, Mr. Given. I have several pictures from our ride to honor your son here.