The Patriot Guard Riders

A formation of individuals in the Patriot Guard, each carrying an American flag, standing in a flag line as directed by a Flag Line Captain, Ride Captain, Deputy State Captain or the State Captain.

The primary contact for all statewide Patriot Guard missions and events. He/She is in charge of all the Patriot Guard for the respective state. He/She is the primary contact for anyone at the National Patriot Guard level for any reason such as policy, procedure and protocol. He/She delegates duties of other Patriot Guard Riders as well as the designation of Ride Captains.

Fulfills the duties and responsibilities of the SC in their absence.

An experienced Ride Captain. A Senior Ride Captain is a source of information based on knowledge and experience. Their job is to know the qualities and skills of each Ride Captain in order to make sure the right person is chosen for each mission.

A leadership position designated by the State Captain. The Ride Captain coordinates the participation of Patriot Guard Riders during a mission. He/She is the person in charge of the Patriot Guard Riders while on the mission. There may be and usually is more than one RC on each mission. Their duties and responsibilities usually overlap.

A leadership position designated by the State Captain. The Flag Line Captain coordinates the participation of Patriot Guard Riders during a flag line. He/She is the person in charge of the Patriot Guard Riders while on the flag line. The Flag Line Captain will work with the Ride Captains in coordinating any flag lines to coincide with any escorts.

A person driving a car, truck or van. Cage operator, or driver.

A car, truck or van; more commonly known as automobiles. The name stems from being all cooped up inside a closed shell, with no contact with the outside air.

The location where Patriot Guard Riders gather to go to the Staging area, prior to a mission.

The location of where the Patriot Guard Riders from various parts of the state would gather prior to going to a mission.

The Ride Captain conducts a brief of the Patriot Guard Riders as to what the mission will entail, where they are going, and what to do once they arrive at their mission destination. Prior to the briefing, the Ride Captain has already traveled the route. At this time he/she makes observations of the terrain, landmarks, traffic, construction zones, safety issues, etc. This is all to ensure the safety of the participants.

Kick Stands Up (departing)

The only prerequisite to be a Patriot Guard Rider.

To become a member of the Patriot Guard Riders you must do so at http://patriotguard.org, our National Website and then sign up on the http://nhpatriotguard.org site to be advised of missions and events scheduled for the NH Patriot Guard Riders.

Yes to both questions. However, an invitation from a family member for us to attend must be presented through the Deputy State Captain or State Captain. You may contact them via the http://nhpatriotguard.org website or by utilizing our services request form.

You can find Patriot Guard merchandise at the following website, http://patriotguard.org. Additionally NH Patriot Guard Riders merchandise can be purchased via our online store at https://nhpatriotguard.org/nhpgr-gear-apparel/

No, you do not have to ride a motorcycle. You can drive your car or truck. Everyone is welcome to show respect.

No, you do not have to be a Veteran. The Patriot Guard Riders is a group of citizen volunteers that come together to support every Patriot Guard mission. The only requirement is that you love and support our country and the heroes who fight for our freedom. Some members are Veterans, some are members of various Veterans Service Organizations, some ride motorcycles, some do not belong to any sort of organization, but we are all citizens and patriots who wish to honor our fallen heroes.

No, membership is free. The PGR is funded through purchases made from the PGR store, public donations, member donations and member businesses who donate.

No, the PGR is an all volunteer organization, not a motorcycle club. We do not hold regular or scheduled meetings. Many of our members organize informal get-togethers and Meet-n-Greets. You will find information regarding these on our NH Patriot Guard Riders website.

Our main mission is to honor our nation’s fallen heroes, their families, and communities by attending memorial services and funerals. We are there to pay our respects and to shield the families from any interruptions by any protestor or group of protestors. This is accomplished through non violent or confrontational means. These missions include fallen heroes of the current fight for freedom, and veterans of other wars and conflicts such as WWII, Korea and Vietnam. We also honor our fallen heroes from Law Enforcement Departments, Firefighters and EMT’s.

Memorial Missions

These are events that are held at various Military installations across the country honoring our fallen heroes. Many bases hold monthly memorial services honoring the fallen from their units. This also includes private memorial services held by families when a full funeral is not scheduled with interment.

Welcome Home and Troop Send Off’s

We also participate in ceremonies and events to welcome our troops home from overseas or to give them a resounding show of support when they leave the states for foreign countries.

Help on the Homefront (HOTH)

This program assists wounded veterans and their families in need. It includes visits to VA and local hospitals. We sometimes assist in the cleaning, repairing or refurbishing of the homes of injured veterans. This program works with other agencies and supports some of their programs as well.

Honor Flights

We escort and stand flag lines for WWII veterans being honored as they are taken by bus and then plane to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.. These Honor Flights provide transportation to the Veterans at no cost to them.

Make sure to bring water to drink. If you know it’s going to be a long day bring some snacks or even pack a sandwich. Some folks have been known to generously provide water and snacks during the mission but this is not expected of them and it is your responsibility to provide your own. If, by chance they have a donation jar located near the snacks feel free to contribute something to help defray their costs. Many also choose to donate back to the PGR. You are under no obligation to make the donation.

You may want to bring your own 3×5 flag. A collapsing pole is recommended for ease of carrying if you do not wish to attach it to your bike. Sunscreen and a small first-aid kit are highly recommended.

Yes, however it is suggested that you use your best judgement with smaller children. If your child becomes restless please be prepared to remove them from the area so as to not disturb the services in progress. Perhaps you and/or your spouse, or a friend can agree on a plan of action before you attend the mission. Talk with your children before hand to prepare them for what may happen. You will find that they may be able to understand more than you think. Give them a flag or their own that is a size they can handle. Teach them some flag etiquette (flag etiquette can be found on the NH Patriot Guard Riders website). This can be a positive experience for your child.

If a funeral mission is cancelled due to the family’s request we DO NOT attend. This would be disrespectful to the family. If it is a public event you may attend as a citizen but we ask that you leave your PGR items at home and do not wear your vest if it has PGR patches sewn on. Our mission, first and foremost, is respect. Not only does that apply to the families but also to the communities in which they live and serve.

Read the mission itinerary prior to showing up for the mission. Arrive at the staging area at or slightly before the designated time so that you are present for the briefing. Ride Captains (RC) (wear Maroon Hats) will direct you where to park. If this is your first mission be sure to introduce yourself to the RC and advise them this is your first mission. Automobiles may be directed to another area and will follow the bikes in the procession. Pay attention to the Ride Captain’s briefing and follow their instructions. If you are a first-timer and are riding a motorcycle, it is suggested you ride near the back of the motorcycle group to easily observe what is happening. Pay attention to hand signals from the RC or those in front of or around you. Be cautious and attentive when in the procession. It is an emotional experience. When standing in a flag line with a flag, do not smoke or use your cell phone. This is a matter of showing respect to the fallen hero. If you need to make an urgent call, or feel compelled to smoke, ask someone to hold your flag, and then step out of line to smoke or to use your phone. When holding your flag, be solemn and reverent. No joking or cutting up. Cell phones should be turned off or switched to vibrate during a memorial service or flag line.

Flag protocol means order in which flags are flown. This is not a matter of us expressing our personal preference. Flag order was established long ago. It applies to military and non-military processions. We refer to it as military flag protocol because these are military funerals with full military honors. Simply put, the US Flag always leads, State flags are next, Military branch flags then organizational flag flies last. You may find more information regarding flag protocol on our website. The US Flag flies from the right side of any vehicle whether it is a cage or bike.

When you’re holding a flag and are called to attention, you stand at attention. When “present arms” is called, the flagpole is held upright with your right hand near your chin and your left hand at the base of the flagpole and near your waist. Do not hand salute when holding the flag. During prayer, and they say “uncover” you do not take off your hat. Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers, Fireman and civilians not holding a flag, will salute.

Turn your back and ignore them. They want a reaction from you. Don’t give them one. Follow the directions of the Ride Captain or Flag Line Captain.

• Blue Star: Families of military members currently serving on active duty.
• Gold Star: Families of military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
• Silver Star: Families of military members who have suffered catastrophic injuries such as loss of limbs or severe brain trauma.