WWII Vets get Hero Sendoff

March 16, 2013
Colorado USA

TEXAS - Today Patriot Guard Riders in Wichita Falls, TX rolled out to escort local WWII Veterans scheduled for an Honor Flight. The first stop for PGR was a Jefferson Elementary School. Veterans were treated to a surprise send-off students, faculty and other patriots. Students expressed their gratitude by creating colorful signs and singing patriotic songs. The Rider High School band and color guard joined the festivities.

Texoma's Home Page (see link to article and video below)reports: Bill Thacker, a WWII veteran, says, "It's just unbelievable. I thought we were on our way out of town. They pulled in and I had no idea!"

Harold Jackson, a WWII veteran, says, "Ohhh! I bawled like a baby! I didn't expect this. I'm gonna cry, baby. I can't help it."

"Oh goodness. I bawled when those little kids came out," Jackson says. "I couldn't hardly speak to them, but ohhh, God bless America."

"I can't express it in words," Thacker says. "It's just unbelievable when they sing 'God Bless America.' This nation was founded on God. We don't want to ever forget it. That's what 16 million of us went to fight for."

"I came out and some of my good buddies didn't," Jackson says. "And I always think I should have been there, too. But this means so much to me and my family."

Local Patriot Guard Riders report is was a moving experience and an honor to ride escort for hometown heroes. Seeing the kids wave patriotic signs and hearing them chant USA was pure joy. About 19 or 20 bikes and 20 plus riders accompanied the Veterans to Henrietta.

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Photos compliments of Patriot Guard Riders Jimmy Murphy and Steven Bull
Source: Texomas Home Page (Video and article) WFISD Students Surprise Veterans