Patriot Guard honors retired veterans on Armed Forces Day

[May 31, 2017]  LINCOLN -  While Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those brave soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom, Armed Forces Day, held a week earlier is a day to honor those who are with us today and thank them for their service to our country.

Armed Forces Day was established in 1949 as a single day that combined the individual Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days,

In support of Armed Forces day, the Patriot Guard was formed in the early 2000's in response to a protest at the Wesburron Baptist Church in Kansas, where protesters arrived at a Veteran funeral with signs of protest, singing, chanting, and harassing members of the deceased one's family.

The guard was formed to serve as an escort for the bodies of fallen patriots. The Patriot Guard still performs this activity today.

Locally, Michael Fulk has been a Patriot Guard Rider since 2006, and a Ride Commander since 2014. Fulk organized a ride to honor our local veterans in the senior living communities, nursing homes and assisted living facilities here in Logan County.

Last Saturday, the Patriot Guard took that ride making stops throughout the area. Their first stop of the day was at Friendship Manor on Primm Road in Lincoln. Later, they would also make a stop at St. Clara's Manor and other locations in town.

At Friendship Manor, the group visited with several veterans and presented them with certificates recognizing them for their service.

They also took the time to have a photo with the veterans before moving on to their next stop.

From Left to right are Cary Blaum; Navy Nurse, Pete Dowding; Army & Purple Heart Recipient, Mike Fulk; Patriot Guard Ride Commander, George Sanders; Army, Larry Daniels; Navy, Randy Wyland; Joe Schaler; USMC & Purple Heart Recipient, Ray Rogers; Airforce, and Bruce Martin; Army.

Fulk's wife Joyce joined in the recognition and the Fulk's granddaughter Kiersten sang the National Anthem at each ceremony.

At St. Clara's Manor, Activity Director Rebeccas Johnson reported that resident veterans were honored with many residents in attendance also showing their support and appreciation. "It was a special time for our Veterans, their families, and the residents of St. Clara’s."

[Melanie Schaler and Rebecca Johnson]