Policies
Flexibility is our key to success
The Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia are volunteers and most of us have full time jobs.
We are a group that wishes to show honor and respect to our fallen heroes/heroines, including Active-Duty Military, Veterans of Military Service, First Responders and Patriot Guard Riders Members. We are not a protest group, and we are not an anti-protest group. We will not participate in any event that could even be remotely viewed as such. We will not attend any event of political nature and do not seek publicity. We do attend funerals and on several occasions protesters have been present. Protesters are never recognized and always ignored.
It is our responsibility to respond in a timely manner.
All requests for participation by the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia must be submitted via National Mission Request Link. We will make every effort to honor each request. We are limited by current mission commitments, time of notice, Ride Captain availability, and geographical location. Thank you for your understanding.
In order for the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia to stand in honor of a fallen hero we must be invited by a family member of the deceased with 48-hour notice. The invitation must be presented via National Mission Request Link. The 48-hour rule can be waived under extenuating circumstances.
KIAs will always be our priority over any other funeral request and no limits set forth herein will apply to a KIA funeral.
All non-KIA funeral requests must be for Active-Duty Military, a Military Veteran, a Firefighter, a Police Officer, PGR member or an EMS person and we require at least a 48-hour notice of any attendance request. However, we do acknowledge that in Georgia firefighters and police officers take very good care of their own and we usually are only asked to attend as any citizen would attend.
We do not comb the obituary columns. A funeral is a solemn ceremony and not an event that should be encroached upon.
We must be requested with at least a 48-hour notice so we will have enough time to prepare properly. This applies to any request other than a KIA or exception by SC/ASC.
We will entertain requests for the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia to attend an event if the event is related to Active-Duty Military, Military Veterans or First Responders. Requests for “Welcome Homes” and “Send Offs” for military units should be submitted by the Unit Commander or his/her designee. As a rule, it is difficult to support requests for individuals. We must insist that if we are asked to be involved in any such event that the spotlight not be on the Patriot Guard Riders. It is not about us.
Riding motorcycles or driving cars/trucks has inherent risks involved. We all know that accidents do happen. Given this fact, everyone in attendance agrees they are participating in a Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia mission of their own free will and agree to NOT hold the State Captain, Ride Captain or Membership liable should anything of this nature occur. When riding in an escort we ride in group formation, typically staggered. You must judge your own experience level and never ride beyond your capabilities. If you are a new rider, please ride at the back of the group. You and you alone are ultimately responsible for you own safety.
There will be no consumption of alcohol while on a Mission and if you are under the influence of alcohol or any non-prescribed drug you will be asked to leave and if necessary the local authorities will be called.
All Missions will have a designated staging area and a RCIC mission briefing will be conducted. Members have a right to know what is going on and what is expected of them. We must always remember that every mission is different, and all phases of the mission are not under our control. We must remain flexible and always show honor and respect.
Each Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia leader is answerable to the person that stands in the flag line. We attend each mission as invited guests and must always exhibit honor and respect. As leaders it is our responsibility to lead by example.
On missions you may take photos and or videos with respect. Please respect the family and fallen hero by not photographing them, the hearse or the casket unless requested by the family. Photos such as these will not be posted out of respect for our hero. Mission photos are not to be posted in the threads or forums.
Guidelines
When in a group we ride in a stagger formation for safety reasons. The minimum recommended spacing to the bike directly in front of you should not be less than two seconds (the two second rule). The bike in the lane to your left or right should not be less than one second ahead of you. You will find that two seconds is a long distance when riding at highway speeds. That is, it’s a long distance when everything is going well. When things go wrong however, two seconds distance is gone in the time it takes to figure out you are in trouble.
The two second rule is a rule of thumb. Patriot Guard Riders should adhere to this rule as much as possible, especially at highway speeds.
Patriot Guard Riders will ride always staggered. Since there may be some riders that are not experienced enough to ride side-by-side while in city streets.
During your pre-ride briefing, the Ride Captain should identify those riders that are not comfortable with riding in groups. New riders and those not comfortable riding in a group find it difficult to maintain 2-second spacing. Placing these riders in the rear of the group will help maintain a tight group formation and avoid the accordion effect of the group. The last bike should ride in the middle of the two bike lanes with all headlights and running lights on. This will help the lead bike see the last bike. Refer to the image to the right.
Standing with Honor and Respect
The Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia flag line symbolizes an endearing protective barrier of love, honor and respect for our fallen hero and family. The flag line is our most sacred symbol and represents the essence of our core values as Patriot Guard Riders. Honor, reverence, dignity, respectfulness, humbleness, and love. We are judged by all who view the flag line and our conduct and demeanor ultimately translate into lasting impressions. Flag line decorum is one of the most important tenets of the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia.
The following flag line guidelines apply to all missions:
- Please pay attention and listen carefully to the mission briefing provided by the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia Ride Captain in Charge (RCIC).
- If you are a new member of the Patriot Guard Riders and have not participated in a flag line, let the RCIC know so additional information can be provided.
- The RCIC will establish the flag line location, position and spacing.
- Members are reminded to turn off or place cell phones/pagers in the silent mode. Cell phone use in the flag line is prohibited.
- Smoking or eating in the flag line is prohibited. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Flag bearers are reminded to stand in silence and in reverence of the solemn occasion.
- Flags are obtained from the flag vehicle and are unfurled prior to moving to the flag line and at the end of the service are furled at the flag vehicle.
- Flags must always be held straight up and are never dipped or allowed to touch the ground.
- In Georgia, flags are held in the left hand so salutes may be rendered with the right hand, as directed by the RCIC. At the appropriate time the RCIC or his designee will call the flag line to “attention” and “present arms” anytime the casket is being moved and at rendering of honors (taps and rifle salute). Please see paragraph 16 for “Present Arms” and “Order Arms” instructions.
- Flag line spacing between members should be wide enough so the flags can fly freely and not interfere with the Flag holder next to them, unless otherwise instructed by the RCIC.
- All members not in a flag line will assemble at a location out of view of the service.
- In the event of “uninvited guests (UG) or protesters” the RCIC will provide specific instructions to flag line members.
- If UG are in attendance, we simply hold our flags with our backs turned to the protesters.
- Do not engage the protester either verbally or physically. We may sing, rev our engines, or say the Pledge of Allegiance but that is strictly at the direction of the RCIC.
- If UG attempt to provoke you, stand with your back toward them and ignore them.
- Flag line “Commands” and terms:
Attention — Come to attention by standing straight and erect, feet together and right arm at your side, left hand holding the flagpole/staff.
Present Arms — Salute or render honors. All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Others authorized to salute may render their organization salute, i.e. First Responders, Scouts, etc. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
Order Arms — Opposite of Present Arms. The saluting right arm is slowly lowered and placed next to the right leg upon the command “Order Arms”.
At Ease — stand relaxed but stay in place in the flag line.
Cover/Uncover — If wearing headgear, place headgear on head (cover), or remove headgear from head (uncover).
Fall Out — Flag line dismissed at conclusion of service.
- Breaks — Sometimes it is necessary to stand in a flag line for long periods of time. Ensure that knees are not locked while standing for prolonged periods. At the slightest indication of a faint feeling, hand your flag to the person next to you and move away from the flag line and sit down. The RCIC or medical personnel will provide assistance. If the weather is hot, hydration is a must. Please ensure you bring adequate drinking water for the mission. Restroom facilities will be identified by the RCIC at the mission briefing. Ask someone next to you hold your flag or take it with you when you step away for a break.
- Clothing — Dress for safety, comfort, and respect. Many suggestions have been made regarding standard shirts or clothing, but PGR has not adopted a dress code or policy for our members. A family may have a special request due to ethnic or religious practices for a specifically colored shirt or other form of attire. Since our mission is “respect”, we do everything in our power to honor those requests. Keep in mind that we are there to respect the family and check your vests for any patches which may contain offensive language. Those patches can be covered with masking tape for the duration of the mission. Please dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Trash — Ensure that trash is properly disposed of away from the flag line at a location specified by the RCIC. If you smoke, please field strip your cigarettes and properly dispose of the filter.
- Flag lines may be established outside or inside a building. The flag line procedures are the same for both events.
A Standard of Honor
A Standard of Honor, the flag of the United States, is a living symbol that calls to our spirit reminding us of the greatness of America. We cherish and uphold it because it is the standard of honor under which we live. The proper name of the nation’s symbol is the United States Flag however, it is sometimes referred to as Old Glory. We view the flag with devotion, for it represents our national heritage of noble deeds, splendid accomplishment, and untold sacrifices which combined to establish the moral character of our country. Our flag is a symbol that makes our past one with the present and makes the present a foundation for tomorrow. It signifies a people dedicated to liberty, justice, and freedom for all. It is our companion around the world. It summons confidence on sight. There is a magic in its folds that continually renews the hope that this nation, under God, will long be an example everywhere for all who love freedom with honor.
We give homage to the flag because it stands for the courageous, earnest, and unselfish experiences of our people who have given us strength as a nation and pride as citizens. We respect our flag because we have respect for our fellow citizens, and because our love for country finds its center in our flag. The customs and traditions which surround the display and use of our flag are guides to how we as proud and grateful citizens may demonstrate the ultimate respect for the flag of our nation. In honoring and saluting our flag we demonstrate affection for our nation, fellow citizens, and the proud future we share.
Care and Respect
Flag respect is the base and foundation of all flag etiquette decisions. When millions of Americans display the Flag there are many violations of major and minor points of flag etiquette and protocol. All Americans should attempt to teach and not judge. Often, an effective way to teach is to guide the offender to the NFF Web site or send one of our Flag Etiquette brochures.
The U.S. Flag should always be treated with the utmost care and respect. Remember, the flag represents a living country and as such is considered a living symbol.
Always display the flag with the blue union field up — never display the flag upside down, except as a signal of extreme distress. If upside down, this should be only in extreme distress.
Always carry the flag aloft and free — never carry it flat or horizontally in processions or parades. The exception to this is carrying very large flags in a parade that are too big to be flown from a staff or pole.
Always keep the flag clean. Keep it safe from those who would not respect it or do not know enough to do so such as young children.
The flag is a symbol of us all — of all America. It is not a political symbol. It is a symbol that each American should respect for it represents the honor, courage, and sacrifice of those who struggled to preserve the ideals upon which our country was founded; Freedom, justice, and opportunity for all. Contrary to other flags of the world, the U.S. Flag is the flag of the citizens – the people of all ages that make and keep America a stronghold an example of freedom.
Covering A Casket
When used to cover a casket or coffin, the flag should be placed with the blue field covering the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or touch the ground at any time. The flag should never be used as the covering for a headstone or other statue or monument.
When taken from the casket, the flag should be formally and properly folded as a triangle with only the stars showing. Subsequently, the flag may be displayed in a storage case, or it may be unfolded and flown.
The ceremony of draping the casket with a United States Flag is used to honor veterans, patriotic citizens, and highly regarded state and national officials. Several organizations have defined the meaning of each fold of the flag. These are unique and original with each organization. None are official or included in the Flag Code.
Flags On Vehicles
The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.” (U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7(b))
We thus recommend that the flag be attached to the right (passenger) side of a vehicle.
We recommend that flags be removed from vehicles at night since they cannot be properly illuminated. The U.S. Code states, “…when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.” (U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 6(a))
Note:
When flown on a motorcycle with other flags the American Flag should be placed on the right of all other flags, facing the direction of travel.
Click here for additional information regarding flag display guidelines