[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 731 Engrossed in House (EH)]


H. Res. 731

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         June 20, 2006.
Whereas in 2005, a small group of American Legion Riders in Kansas calling 
        themselves the ``Patriot Guard'' began a movement to shield the families 
        and friends of fallen service members from interruptions by protesters 
        appearing at military funerals;
Whereas individuals from Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas later brought together 
        diverse groups of motorcycle organizations across the country who rode 
        to honor fallen service members, forming an organization known as the 
        ``Patriot Guard Riders'';
Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders have since grown into a nationwide network, 
        including both veterans and nonveterans and riders and nonriders, and is 
        open to anyone who shares a respect for service members who have made 
        the ultimate sacrifice for the Nation;
Whereas Patriot Guard Riders attend military funerals to show respect for fallen 
        service members and to shield mourning family members and friends of the 
        deceased from protestors who interrupt, or threaten to interrupt, the 
        dignity of the event;
Whereas across the Nation, Patriot Guard Riders volunteer their time to come to 
        the aid of military families in need, so to allow the memories of the 
        deceased service member to be remembered with honor and dignity;
Whereas regardless of one's opinion of the Nation's military commitments, the 
        families, friends, and communities of the Nation's fallen soldiers 
        deserve a peaceful time of mourning and should not be harassed and 
        caused further suffering at a funeral;
Whereas Patriot Guard Riders appear at a funeral only at the invitation of the 
        fallen soldier's family and participate in a nonviolent, legal manner; 
        and
Whereas the members of the Nation's Armed Forces willingly risk their lives to 
        protect the American way of life and the freedoms guaranteed by the 
        Constitution: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives expresses its deepest 
appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders who--
            (1) attend military funerals across the country to show respect for 
        fallen members of the Armed Forces and, when needed, shield mourning 
        family members and friends of the deceased from protestors who 
        interrupt, or threaten to interrupt, the dignity of a funeral; and
            (2) in so doing, help to preserve the memory and honor of the 
        Nation's fallen heroes.



            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.