Greetings, 

No doubt many of you have seen, heard or know someone that has contracted COVID. Lately it appears that cases are once again on the rise and we are starting to see another round of restrictions, travel bans and businesses being forced to close. NH now has a mandatory mask mandate in place to include both indoors and outdoors. 

As of this time I have not seen nor heard of any restrictions at the NHSVC or otherwise that may affect our operations. NH Veterans Hospital is being hit hard with both the residents and staff so I think it’s a pretty safe statement to make that our annual visit on Christmas Day won’t be happening this year. 

The NHSVC is still planning on hosting the Wreath day on Saturday December 5th where volunteers place wreaths at the headstones. There are a list of rules and guidelines in regards to this event and anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to read over them ahead of time and adhere to them as a guest of the NHSVC. Details for the event can be found on Facebook both on our page as well as the NHSVC’s. 

Speaking of guests I would like to remind everyone that anytime we participate in an Honor Mission it is as a guest. We are invited guests of the family, we are guests at the funeral home and we are guests at the cemetery (whichever cemetery it may be). As such we should always conduct ourselves appropriately. This includes adhering to any rules or guidelines the family, funeral home or cemetery have. 

In addition the average age of our membership is the most susceptible to the effects of COVID. This time of year is tricky anyway because of the cold, flu or pneumonia. It is up to each of us to look out for not only ourselves but those we come into contact with at an event or flag line. Going forward, until further notice, all participants at any mission or event are required to maintain sufficient social distances from each other, in the event that cannot be done masks are and will be required.

I know opinions vary regarding masks, their effectiveness and possible side effects. I will not debate the issue, we as members are all adults and free to make our own choices. Should you choose not to maintain acceptable distances or wear a face mask then please also choose to stay home. 

If you feel sick at all, the cough, sniffles, a fever, aches or pains (excluding age related) please also remain home. Your desire and willingness to honor our Veterans and First Responders should not trump your own safety nor the safety of your fellow members. 

Thank you all for everything you’ve done this year, I know it has been difficult given everything that’s been going on and I can only assume it’s not going to get any easier within the next couple of months. 

Any questions or comments please feel free to contact me.

Nick Marks
State Captain
NH Patriot Guard Riders
statecaptain@nhpatriotguard.org