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Posted: 9:59 PM Nov 11, 2008
Escorting Veterans by Motorcycle
They call themselves the Patriot Guard Riders, and their mission was a deeply gratifying show of reverence to surviving World War II veterans.
Reporter: Carrie Cline Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com |
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4 Comments 
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- They're dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, only 3 million are left.
That's why it's so important to honor those still with us. On Veterans Day Tuesday, a group of motorcycle riders did just that. They call themselves the Patriot Guard Riders, and their mission was a deeply gratifying show of reverence.
When Abbott Smith woke up Tuesday morning, he had no idea what awaited him on his way to his weekly lunch gathering with friends.
“Thank you guys. Thank you. This is wonderful,” Smith said .
His friends and family made a pit stop to link him up with the Patriot Guard Riders. They're going to provide him a special escort to his Quarterback Club lunch in Huntington.
“I'm unbelievably thrilled," Smith said. Look at all of these people here.".
Lt. Abbott Smith, a World War II veteran, is among a quickly shrinking group of heroes. He was a lead crew bombardier for the 303rd bomb crew. They flew B-17s on numerous important missions, including an attack on Hamburg, Germany, in 1943.
But press Abbott about his service and he'd rather talk about anyone but himself.
“I take magazines to the Veterans Home and to see what those guys are going through makes me humbled. They're going through a lot,” he said.
But to the Patriot Guard Riders, Abbott is also a hero who risked his life to preserve our country's freedom. For that, a military escort was in order.
It's was Abbott's buddies that came up with the idea.
“Abbott is a longtime friend and a great guy, and our Quarterback Club thought what a great way to honor someone who's given so much and came up with idea,” said Bill Bunch, Abbott’s friend.
There are more than 150,000 Patriot Guard Riders nationwide. Some are veterans and some are not. All of them are eager to show their appreciation to those who serve our country through the military.
Latest Comments
Thank you Mr. Abbott Smith for all that you did and thanks to all veterans. Thanks to the Patriot Guard Riders for being who you are and what you do, especially at funerals. THANKS!!!!!!
On behalf of my family and I, thank you, Mr. Smith, for helping save the world so long ago. Thank you PGR for all you do.
The Patriot Guard Riders need to be rewarded for all they do for veteran's and the military service men and women who have lost their life. They are a tremendous bunch of men and women who know the importance of supporting our veterans and our troops serving now. God Bless you all Patriot Riders and thank you for all you do. Respect and prayers travel with you where ever your next journey may be.
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