[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H3156-H3157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING AND THANKING THE PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Zeldin) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and thank the Patriot 
Guard Riders, who live on Long Island and all across our country. The 
Patriot Guard Riders, a nonprofit organization, consists of a diverse 
group of motorcycle enthusiasts and patriots who share a deep 
appreciation and commitment to honoring our U.S. servicemembers, 
veterans, and their families.
  Rooted in their unwavering patriotism and respect for our Nation's 
military men and women, the Patriot Guard Riders go above and beyond 
daily to ensure everyone, from our Nation's veterans to our 
communities' first responders and their families, receive the 
appreciation they deserve.
  When a veteran arrives at Calverton National Cemetery for burial in 
my district, the Patriot Guard Riders are there. On Veterans Day, 
Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and 9/11 events, the Patriot Guard 
Riders are there. When our communities' veterans are returning from 
their Honor Flight trips to Washington, D.C., our Patriot Guard Riders 
are there. No matter rain or shine or snow, whether it is freezing cold 
or scorching hot, the Patriot Guard Riders are there.
  Last month, our Nation lost seven airmen in the line of duty, four of 
whom were from the 106th Rescue Wing on Long Island. As their families 
gathered at Gabreski Air National Guard Base to receive their sons, 
brothers, husbands, and our heroes, several dozen Patriot Guard Riders 
gathered to escort these fallen airmen from the base. It is in these 
moments, the most difficult moments in the lives of the families of 
these fallen airmen, when the Patriot Guard Riders, as detailed in 
their motto, stand for those who stood for us.
  The family members of these fallen servicemembers may not know the 
names of these Patriot Guard Riders, but recognition is not what drives

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them. As these fallen airmen were escorted from the base, a sea of 
American flags rose up to flank their caskets. As their families 
prepared to say their final good-byes, an unquestionable, unwavering 
sense of patriotism swelled, carried on the backs of the Patriot Guard 
Riders' bikes.
  They have especially made our Nation's heroes their priority when 
others have neglected to show their appreciation. Time after time, when 
a veteran of World War II, Korea, Vietnam has been buried without 
family or friends, you can count on the Patriot Guard Riders to have 
been there. We need more Pete Jepsons in our world, who is the senior 
ride captain for all of Suffolk County. There's Mary-Ann, LW, Wayne, 
John, Eugene, Susan, Nancy, Marc, Dennis, Richard, Warren, Karen, and 
so many others who would drop everything at a moment's notice to stand 
for those who stood for us.
  The Patriot Guard Riders are made up of hundreds of thousands of 
everyday people all across America. With the inspiration that consumes 
us whenever we see them in action, we should all aspire to the ideals 
and dedication each and every one of them embody. To our Patriot Guard 
Riders, thank you for your service to our great country.

                          ____________________