As the Patriot Guard Riders arrived in Rock Port they were met by the Atchison County American Legion Color Gaurd at the Walk of Honor next to the Atchison County Memorial Building.

Daniel Brosch of Alaska Airlines helped to get this program started so no fallen soldier would go without having the proper escort. Atchison County American Legion and Color Guard were on hand to honor the fallen veteran’s cremains.

Commander Bud Harger places the folded flag in the Fallen Soldier Cart and gives it a proper salute.

Ralph Greer Legion Post #49 Commander Bud Harger presented a flag for the folding ceremony which was then refolded by two members of the Patriot Guard Riders. This has been done in every state they have traveled through.

By Sophia Martin

On Monday, June 24, 2024, at around 10:30 a.m., Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) visited the Walk of Honor at the Atchison County Memorial Building in Rock Port, Missouri, to pay their respects to fallen soldiers.

Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program honors fallen soldiers who have fought for our country. For more than a decade, they have given their utmost respect and honor to fallen military service members and their loved ones.

This program was established to ensure that proper military protocols are followed when handling the remains of fallen soldiers where they are then flown to their final resting place.

A Fallen Soldier Cart includes an American Flag that curtains the insignia of the five branches of the military. For families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers, this signifies respect and honor given to the fallen by those who are witnessing their final journey. The cart followed 35-50 PGR motorcycle riders.

Daniel Brosch of Alaska Airlines spoke about the journey’s significance and thanked the town of Rock Port and the local spectators for paying their respects.

Patriot Guard Riders departed SeaTac, Washington, on June 19 with the cremains of a deceased veteran in the Fallen Soldier Cart. On June 26, it will be delivered to Nashville International airport where it will then be taken to a deceased veteran’s home state of New Jersey. The veteran’s request was for “One last ride across this great country.”