Patriot Guard Riders Visit The Fort Gibson National Cemetery

Folks across Oklahoma spent the 4th of July celebrating and remembering those who gave their lives defending America's freedom. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Joshua Brakhage caught up with a group

Tuesday, July 4th 2006, 6:44 pm

By: News On 6

Folks across Oklahoma spent the 4th of July celebrating and remembering those who gave their lives defending America's freedom.

News on 6 reporter Joshua Brakhage caught up with a group who took that message on the road.

They are the Patriot Guard Riders. Tuesday, those road warriors were riding in memory of the true warriors, those who died to keep America free. They rev their engines, ready to ride for a reason.

Since the weekend, the Patriot Guard Riders have been meeting in Claremore. Now on the final day of their national convention, they'll ride across four counties to show their appreciation for those who've made the ultimate sacrifice. The riders ended up at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Sand Springs' own Rita Talbott is one of dozens of riders from dozens of states. "Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, our Dixieland folks are here.â€ Along with some riders from further north, like Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Everett and Marilyn Freel came down from Iowa. Marilyn Freel: "It's real humbling to be here at the cemetery and see all these people who have sacrificed.â€ Everett Freel: "Well, we're just proud to be here and be with a group of fellow soldiers."

The cemetery means a lot to Terry Latta. He's escorted soldiers to their final rest. His mother is also among those whose memories are honored at Fort Gibson. "It just seems like a sense of duty, because they did their duty, it's the least we can do to show our respects."

The Patriot Guard Riders are less than a year old, and already there are tens of thousands nationwide. Ride leader Clayton Hall thinks that says something about the United States. "It means a lot; it gives you faith in your country. It makes you realize its still there."

The Patriot Guard Riders are often called out to funerals for fallen troops. They say they'll go anytime and anywhere a soldier's family asks.

The group had 400 members from California to Maine come to the convention in Claremore this week. They expect more than a thousand next year.