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PGR members question

Doc,

Those that would view it in the way you describe would probably not ask the guard to be at a funeral anyway.

And besides, how do you know the family did not authorize it. I have seen organization "sell" items at funernal runs. And usually some, it not most, of the proceeds go to the family.

Again, if Redfish objects to this policy, he needs to change it, voice his opinion to that chapter, or leave the chapter..

I see everyone's point. I have been on guard missions, I'm a member. I see no problem with it. As long as is not done on the church steps.

I don't know anything about this particular situation - I was simply expressing my opinion, and yes I know, everyone's got one!
 
I don't know anything about this particular situation - I was simply expressing my opinion, and yes I know, everyone's got one!

OOPS! I guess I should have written the whole name... Dr Doolittle, I was responding to docsledge post.... But thanks for your input!

And yes everyone's got one... I know folks that have more than one.... I know guys that are just one big opinion.... They'll disagree with you, even if they have the same opinion as you!

Dr. Doolittle, how do you know they are "making a profit"? The organization needs to support it's self. And I don't see anyone volunteering to write a check to 'em so they don't have sell items. Be it at a mission or at Walmart.


Gary12850 said:
You are 100% right...these are veterans no less...:42:

Gary... You don't have to be a veterans to be a member of the Guard. Again, we are lumping folks in a group when we do not have all the information..
 
An obit in the paper can ask for contributions in lieu of flowers or something along those lines, but at the funeral or enroute to the cemetary or at the cemetary - NO WAY![/QUOTE]

This is exacltly was I was going to say.
 
Doc,

Those that would view it in the way you describe would probably not ask the guard to be at a funeral anyway.
I probably didn't explain my view well. The family may have said fine, sell in the parking lot. My problem is the appearance of a particular group (the PGR), taking advantage at a funeral.
The PGR provides respect in great quantity where requested.
Donations, even on the front steps, no problem as long as it goes to the family. Most likely they do need the help to defray cost.

Let's face it, a large group of guys on motorcycles are often viewed with doubt. Some can't differentiate between "outlaw" and PGR. I'm talking about the majority of the people here and not the motorcyle community. Hopefully that perception will slowly change.

The guard volunteers to provide escort for the family and procession. The family either accepts or rejects the offer. If in the past they have seen or heard of bikers selling things at funerals, they may question the motive behind the offer. If they ask the guard to provide escort services, you can bet they are aware of what the PGR provides.

If the guard is selling things to defray their own costs and not to provide relief to the family, then they are flat wrong. Neither one of us knows the truth to that. If to help the family, let the guard riders take a small collection and put it in the collection box - anonymously.

I totally agree that this type of thing should be addressed within the guard as to whether to sell or not to sell.

If the PGR wants to continue to provide the services they do, they can't be perceived to be taking advantage. Whether they are or not.

And, believe it or not, I respect your opinion. We just happed to disagree on this thing. Who knows, maybe we'll agree on something else and shock the world.
I think that if a method selling PGR items could be done without appearing greedy, I'd vote for that.
I'm off my soap box and done.
 
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I
How do you feel about selling t-shirts and hats at the traveling memorial like the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall? Just curious....

Viet Nam happened many years ago. To some who visit the Wall, the wounds are just as fresh as if they happened yesterday and give closure to decades of suffering. Many people will never visit the Wall in DC. Many Vets cannot make that journey. Thank God for the Traveling Wall. It can give many the chance to see the names and perhaps give them a sence of closure long over due. T-Shirts and hats for sale to keep the Wall moving..yes. Selling merchandise at a fallen heroes funeral. Absolutly not. There is no good in it.

Respects...Joe
 
Being Canadian I had no idea what the PGR group represented, so I spent the last 2 hours checking out the site @ Patriot Guard Riders

As this ride occured in Florida I managed to find name of the Regional Captain for Florida.

[email removed] for email details ask dangerdan via PM.


There have been many opinions about this event and no one has taken the time to get the PGR's view. Why not email this individual and get his opinion.

If posting the Reginal Captains email was inappropraite please have it removed.
 
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Don't get me wrong. The PGR and its members are the best as a whole. Below comes straight from the Mission Statement. What happened did not follow the Statement.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:



1-Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2- Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.


Respects..Joe
 
IMO.. it's wrong. There are many places they can sell pins, flags etc. to support their chapters. There are rallys, bike nights, etc where selling PGR stuff would be more apporiate.

Walt
PGR Dayton Chapter
 
Seems pretty clear to me, from the quote Redfish-Joe & Walt5162...the purpose sometimes gets diluted by so many opinons and people involved. The main thing is someone is doing something for our fallen heroes and their families. Fund raising, especially during these economically stressed times may cloud momentarily the issues at hand. The meaning was in good faith, the action was probably not a reflection of good judgement...that is all. We all make mistakes and I am sure others have already learned from this...probably would have been good to keep a cool head, talk privately with one of the ranking people doing the fund raiser after the funeral and raised the issue. I am sure the heat felt from you and others would have made them rethink the fundraising activity during a funeral. :newsmile058:

Don't get me wrong. The PGR and its members are the best as a whole. Below comes straight from the Mission Statement. What happened did not follow the Statement.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:



1-Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2- Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

Respects..Joe
 
Sounds like bad judgment. I've seen guys selling coins, pins, flags or Tee Shirts a few times, but only at the staging area, NEVER once the mission started. Poor planning/decision on the leaders IMHO. I would like to think that calling them off to the side and simply reminding them how this can be viewed by the family and friends would take care of it, but who knows. As with any volunteer group, you get all kinds.
Been a member a long time (#15442) and I wouldn't have a problem speaking up. I would also remind myself why I'm there and for who.
 
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