Yesterday at the most awesome Wake Forest charter school, Franklin Academy, a touching 9-11 ceremony took place. The middle school kids embarked on a day of community service but first there was an assembly in the gym to talk about 9-11 and honor our everyday heroes.

Local resident, Randy Bright, helped to organize the Patriot Guard Riders for the event and participated in the ride and gave a brief description of the role of the Patriot Guard.

Bright pointed out that members of the Patriot Guard Riders are everyday people who may or may not ride motorcycles but who gather to honor military and public service heroes. And while he may not have said it, his message was one that each and every one of us can serve a role in honoring those who work hard to serve us.

The Patriot Guard Riders are not a political organization and is open to any persons, regardless of political affiliation, veteran status, or whether or not they ride motorcycles, as long as they have “a deep respect for those who serve our country”.

Don’t let the biker garb and tough looking outward appearances fool you into thinking the member of the local Patriot Guard Riders are not loving, caring, and compassionate people. They are, they just look like badasses.

Yesterday at Franklin Academy they were an integral part of the students 9-11 events and they played a silent role that everyone can be respectful and observant of those who serve us.

As I said yesterday on the Facebook page:

And the same is true of the Patriot Guard Riders and what they do. While not everyone might understand the members are a great group of country loving people, that’s exactly what they are.

In my interactions with the Patriot Guard Riders I have found them to be respectful, tolerant, patriotic, and the type of people you would want to help honor a fallen or lost love one who has served our country.

More Patriot Guard Riders’ Photos