Having just read Gary's 'progress' post and noting his signature, I thought you might be interested in reading a little of what goes on in the UK with regard to support for fallen and injured servicemen, victims opf the current unrest in Afghanistan and other theatres of unrest.

Wootton Bassett is a small town close to the military airfield to which the bodies of soldiers killed are brought.
For some time now, the inhabitants of the town have spontaneously lined the street as the corteges pass, standing in silence to demonstrate their respect.
Many of us unable to be there can feel a part of it.
Much charity work is carried out by motorcyclists, much of it done quietly and with no publicity.
However, bigger events have been and are being organised.
There was a huge one last month, the bikers wanting to show support, not only for the fallen but for the people of Wootton Bassett.

Here's a thread about it and a couple of links to other sites containing information.

I'm off to one later in the year in the Midlands - 'Ride to the Wall'

http://www.x9ownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18677.0

www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=231770155035

http://www.afghanheroes.org.uk/bikersevent.asp

http://www.rttw.org/

Please click on the links in the X9OC thread for more information about that event.
There are lots of pictures to look at.

Sorry about that.

I'll post the pictures in my album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NTRSkhjmw8

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/8566626.stm

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/5062865.Bikers_raise___100_000_for_Afghan_Heroes/?ref=mr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NTeBdVw1DU

I've lifted the links from the X9 forum - there are more Youtube clips.

I'll post some pictures shortly.

Incidentally, we take more notice of the Police estimate of the numbers present; they're used to assessing crowds and have the helicopter!

Eleven pictures now in my Album:

http://www.silverwing600.com/gallery/Personal-album-of-MikeO/Personal-album-of-MikeO-cat_c73_0_0.htm?sort_method=pic_username&sort_order=DESC&&user_id=308

From your youtube links I found this very nice video. It even has a few pictures of the corteges at the end of the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtjJJU624MU&feature=related

Not a problem, Bill, especially knowing you appreciate the efforts of the riders.
Unfortunately I couldn't be there but as I said I'm going to the Ride To The Wall one in October.
Quite a few of my riding friends were there, some involved in the mashalling (in orange bibs). The Police run courses for civilian riders to train them for assisting in such events and value the support.

Thanks Mike! What great support the town provides to your hero's. It is much the same here, each mission I ride sends a chill down my spine. I recently attended a welcome home mission that included 275+ riders, the hometown hero will be forever grateful to his town and the town to him!

Mike, I am so glad that you posted this thread. Loving and respecting our heroes is so universal. I was moved by the turnout from the locals at the service you described. From the aerial view the support was wonderful. Here in the US the main stream press would have reported a group of 20 riders showed their respect for ....
It warms my heart to learn that people do show their support like this.

I just saw on the news one of the last couple of days that the crazies are back protesting in our country. What a bunch of pathetic losers.

Thank God, and the veterans, that I live in a country where the crazies can protest. And thank the patriot guards who protect the families from the protesters. THANK YOU

Everyone has their share of crazies, I'm afraid.
This is in the Telegraph this morning - it just happens to feature a fanatical so-called religious group but there are plenty of other groups of crazies with other affiliations as we all know:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6927633/Muslim-cleric-Anjem-Choudary-vows-to-continue-Wootton-Bassett-march.html

Also keep in mind the groups that support & help grow the grass roots Veterans support programs.

And for all of you Vietnam Veterans - Greetings and God Bless - today is the 35th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

And ... WELCOME HOME!!!

This video with so much tenderness and appreciation makes you want to cry----young boys and girls returning home in the sadest way possible.

The Patriot Guard is not just for the soldiers KIA, they also honor veterans.


http://www.patriotguard.org


Patriot Guard
Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard
Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

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.


We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

If there is a veteran family that you believe would benefit from the Patriot Guard on the same web page mentioned above there is a section "To Request Our Services" .