[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 535 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]








109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 535

  Commending the Patriot Guard Riders for shielding mourning military 
 families from protesters and preserving the memory of fallen service 
                          members at funerals.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 18, 2006

    Mr. Conrad (for himself, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Allen, Mr. 
Brownback, Mr. Lott, Mr. Dorgan, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Carper, Mr. Talent, 
and Mr. DeWine) submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
                   to the Committee on the Judiciary

                             July 20, 2006

             Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Commending the Patriot Guard Riders for shielding mourning military 
 families from protesters and preserving the memory of fallen service 
                          members at funerals.

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 as 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 Senate 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.
                                 <all>