While the Marines of 3rd LAR BN finished receiving their last briefing of the journey, I had the opportunity to meet some very special men and women who escorted them back to base that evening on motorcycles. They were members of the Patriot Guard of the surrounding areas.
I had heard rumors about these special Americans for their selfless acts of escorting and protecting the families at funerals of our fallen warriors, but did not know that they also provided escort service to units coming home. What an amazing opportunity this was to witness. I learned that they are from many walks of life: Vietnam Veterans, Veterans of the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Patriotic Americans who support our military. These wonderful angels take time out of their day to perform this wonderful tribute to our warriors and I had to personally thank them for what they are doing, especially because they were paying tribute to my favorite Marines that evening.
During our conversation they found out who I was and why I was there. One of the Patriot Guards, Ed, gave me a very special gift, a gift that I will never forget. Ed invited me to ride with him as they escorted the buses to the field. I was lost for words, but accepted the invitation gladly, even though I was fighting back the tears with this special honor.
This was the beginning of yet another journey in itself. Whether they realized it or not, the Patriot Guards helped me turn one of the final pages of this journey by being a part of the escort that was delivering these special Marines back to their loved ones. For this I will be forever grateful.
While rolling down the road toward Victory field, I could hear the engines of the buses behind us, the roar of the pipes beneath me, and my heart was bursting with joy. Then we turned the corner and the field came into view. It looked like every other football field, with its flood lights and plush green grass. Tonight the field was clear and there were no players. The crowds were not cheering for a game, they were cheering for something else. As the bikes began to get closer, my excitement began to build and the roar of the crowd got louder and louder, then it happened – that feeling of coming home came over me. The louder the crowds screamed, the more my emotions let go and the tears began to fall hard. Instead of having that sad feeling for leaving them behind, it was replaced with pure relief because I felt I was helping to bring them back to their loved ones. What an amazing feeling that was.
This was one of those experiences every writer dreams of, but on this ride alone I was not just a writer, I was an American. Thanks to Ed, Candyman and their fellow Patriot Guard’s for giving me this experience. You gave me the highlight of this coming home, it was better than I could have hoped for as a writer. Little did you know that you were giving me the closure I needed to bring this story full circle. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of your special escort to deliver “MY PROTECTORS” THE MARINES OF 3RD LAR BN, HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES!
WELCOME HOME to the MARINES OF 3rd LAR BN.... you each have a special place in my heart now and for eternity!
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