Go. Watch.

...try not to cry.



I have a childhood friend who has delivered that message. He said without a doubt it is the hardest thing he's ever done, harder than his divorce, harder than losing custody of his children. Bringing the news that someone's loved one, their father, mother, husband, wife, etc. will never come home again weighs incredibly heavily on the people that have to deliver it. And even that burden pales in comparison to the loved ones left behind who know that the people walking up their walkway are bringing them the worst news they will ever hear.

And then for some subhuman pieces of filth to show up and protest the funeral? In many places, it would be considered "fighting words" and no jury would ever convict someone of stomping them into pudding. However, it is their right as Americans to make asses of themselves; it is their modus operandi to goad folks into taking a swing so that they can sue. While we might take a private moment and relish the thought of inviting violence on such a group, the fact is that the principles that guide America are in place to protect this very sort of thing.

Enter the Patriot Guard Riders.

They show up in a family's darkest hour to shield them from the morons. While the idiots have every right to show up - misguided and evil though it may be - the Patriot Guard Riders also have every right to show up and drown them out. And God bless them for it. I want to join so bad it hurts - however, I am still not 100% certain that, confronted with these people, I would be able to still my tongue and calm my temper. When I reach that 100th percent, my ride and my time will be theirs.

Thank you, Patriot Guard Riders, for everything you do.

That is all.

(Thanks to the NRA Life of Duty series sponsored by Brownells for the video, sent in an e-mail)