20-year-old Justin Whitmire was an Army medic with aspirations of being a doctor when his time in the military was through. He was also a faithful member of his church in Mauldin, South Carolina and a mentor to many of the younger boys in the congregation who looked up to him. Today Justin's hometown of Simpsonville joined his family in mourning his loss; he was killed by a roadside bomb on just his 19th day of active duty in Afghanistan.
On Saturday, January 7 2011, thousands of supporters came to show their respect and honor the fallen hero as his funeral procession made its way down the city's main street to the cemetery where his body was laid to rest. Leading the procession was the Patriot Guard, a national organization of motorcycle riders whose primary mission is to make sure military funerals are treated with the respect, honor, and civility they deserve. The group led Whitmire's procession from the parking lot of the funeral home right to the entrance of the cemetery, where the casket was transferred to a horse-drawn garrison.
The members of the Patriot Guard believe it's important to stand alongside in support of the family members of fallen soldiers. They believe, like so many of us, that the selfless men and women who give their lives in defense of this country and the ideals of liberty don't deserve to be impugned or maligned; rather, we all owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude for their sacrifice. Showing respect by guaranteeing funeral services remain respectful and honoring is one way the Patriot Guard can help. We join them in saying thank you, and may God bless you, to Justin and the entire Whitmire family.
