PGR 2-23-08 Iwo Jima Survivor's Reunion Pt I

On 2-23-08, the PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) were invited to be the honor guard for the Iwo Jima Survivor's Reunion at the Howard Johnson's in Wichita Falls. We met at McDonald's from 0730-0815. We had members from as far as Dallas show up. There were approximately 80-100 bikes which caused some parking problems at McDonald's. But from all the money they made off of us, it was a good trade off. Here are some of the guys inside McDonald's. ALSO.. these pics were sent to me by Cecil, our road Captain & my good friend Russ. I left my camera at home....You can see Cecil in the above pic, standing in the back pointing. He was giving directions to Howard Johnson's to some of the Ft. Worth guys.

Some of the guys bikes.

Some cars took our parking spots!!!!

More bikes parked into the exit lane of Mickey D's..

More of the bikes

More of the bikes

Here is the group coming into the parking lot at Howard Johnson's. There were bikes everywhere..

Russ took this pic of me while we were walking to the truck to get our flags...

Once inside Howard Johnson's, we lined both sides of the halls from the lobby all the way to the ballroom. I must say it was quite impressive I am on the right peeking out at Russ between the flag & pole.( I am wearing the camo ballcap.)

This is the end of the line. When the survivor's had walked the line of honor, they exited here & made a left turn into the ballroom.

The line down one of the hallways.

Another view of the final flags in the line

The line of honor

Some of the guys yakking it up prior to the survivor's arrival.

The line down the second hall.. That is Russ on the right in the levi vest.

The line waiting for the survivor's to arrive.

The main hall & line of honor.

That's it for now..Thanks again to Cecil & Russ for sending me the pics. And to all you Vet's out there: Because of what you did & sacrificed allows us to honor you this way today...Semper Fi to all you guys in the USMC & a big thank you to all the other vets of the other military branches!!! JOB WELL DONE!!!! Remember: if ya want to see it bigger, click the pic......Until next time: don't forget to thank a Vet............John