IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1501 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 1, 2010 Mr. Buyer (for himself and Mr. Walz) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services RESOLUTION Honoring the Patriot Guard Riders for their steadfast dedication in support of those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.

Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders were established in November of 2005 in response to protesters of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who sought to disrupt the funerals of our fallen heroes; Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders have faithfully dedicated themselves to honoring those brave servicemen and women who selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice for our country; Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders protect the mourning families of our Nation’s fallen heroes by shielding them from disrespectful interruptions and callous intrusions from war protestors; Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders have selflessly ridden to protect the solemnity and dignity of numerous funerals of fallen service members, preventing countless disruptions to date; Whereas over 190,000 people have become members of the Patriot Guard Riders to demonstrate their love of liberty and resolute support for those who serve in uniform and those who have died for the cause of liberty; Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders have participated as invited guests in over 17,000 missions to date, honoring our defenders of freedom from all past conflicts at events to include, but not limited to, funerals, viewings, parades, welcome home ceremonies, troop send-off ceremonies, and other military gatherings; Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders initiated the Help on the Home Front program, volunteering time and personal resources to repair and rebuild homes, install wheelchair ramps, and provide numerous other forms of assistance for transitioning warriors to ensure that they have the freedom and mobility they deserve to pursue full and meaningful lives; Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders, many of whom are veterans, have played a significant role in the resurgence of patriotism we witness today by their devoted and unwavering displays for our military and country through their honored and respected flag lines for fallen heroes; Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders display of Old Glory has moved many citizens to display flags at home or to join with their community to recognize the American Spirit, and the cost of its defense; Whereas Congress recognized the need to ensure that the families and loved ones of servicemen and women, who valiantly gave their lives voluntarily serving our Nation, were given the opportunity for a peaceful final farewell through the passage of Public Law 109–228, the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act; and Whereas the Patriot Guard Riders have distinguished themselves in countless other ways such as donating over forty-three thousand dollars to date through the Fallen Warrior Scholarship Fund for U.S. military family members, visiting veterans hospitals, and giving financial assistance to families of fallen soldiers: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives honors the Patriot Guard Riders and the contributions of its members to the surviving wives and husbands, children, families, and communities of this Nation’s military who perished protecting their country and the freedom of those they left behind.