My friend and former co-worker Tom Ossenkop called me on Friday the 3rd to tell me about a the PGR and their purpose. It really sounded like something I would enjoy (honoring US Military personnel) and would fit in well with. I met Tom at 7:15 Saturday morning at the 1171 / 377 intersection. We proceeded north into Argyle and gassed up then back to 35Wnorth towards Gainesville. Today's mission, my first with the PGR was to honor 10 Medal of Honor recipients in the annual Gainesville, TX Medal of Honor Week celebrations. The PGR would ride in the parade in the morning and take part in the book signings later in the day. Tom and I arrived about 8:15, got parked then started wandering around talking to other PGR members and checking out bikes. There were 15 or so bikes carrying large US, Texas and PGR flags. the flags were BIG – probably 6'x4' or maybe bigger. The wind was still blowing out of the north pretty strong so I imagined that the riders had a tough time handling them when riding in. About 8:30 / 8:45 the ride captains huddled us up to give some instructions and offer a prayer. We mounted up and started forming into four columns. It was somewhat of a goat-grab as the columns headed up towards the jump-off spot but the sound and feel of 75+ bikes was totally amazing. It felt like the earth was shaking from the roar of the bikes. As we road the parade route people were cheering, the Air Guard had fly overs in Hueys, Apaches and several older prop planes. The Marine Honor Guard was first in line, then an Army unit band. Following the came the bikes. First the PGR guts who had the flags, a few trikes then the rest of us. Tom and I were both up in the first 3 - 4 rows of bikes so the stop and go wasn't too bad. The best part occurred when we finished the parade route and parked. We were gathering near the meeting hall were lunch for the guests of honor and book signings would take place. As the Medal of Honor recipients came into the area the got out of their rides and came over to thank us for our escort. I was dumbfounded! Here are men who risked their lives to ensure Americans like us would remain free. All I could say when a couple of the guys came over to shake my hand was “no, thank YOU!â€. It was a very humbling moment that I did not try to restrain the tears. The emotion of the moment is lost in this text but will live in my heart and mind forever. Bill 'the missing in the ether' Cattell
