WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) this week issued a statement in the Congressional Record recognizing the service of Missouri’s Patriot Guard riders to the servicemembers, veterans and military families of the Eighth Congressional District.

“The support of the Patriot Guard riders for our military members and their families is incredible.  I see them at nearly every event I attend to honor the Americans who serve,” Emerson said.  “The organization is a tremendous source of pride for our entire district, and I felt like the devotion of the riders to our military families and servicemembers past and present deserved some special recognition.”

The text of Emerson’s remarks in the U.S. House of Representatives follows:

MADAM SPEAKER, I rise today to commend the work of a distinguished group of veterans and volunteers who continue to serve the men and women of our military and their families.  The Patriot Guard riders can be seen at nearly every event celebrating our long tradition of military service to the nation in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District.

It is difficult to miss the Patriot Guard riders, with their motorcycles emitting a low rumble en route to a Memorial Day ceremony, a welcome home celebration, a Veterans Day event or a military funeral.  Their presence is always a respectful tribute to those who serve in uniform, and they are frequently a comfort to the families who have lost loved ones in the course of duty. 

The members of the Patriot Guard do every day something that too few Americans take time for: they are always, always available to our troops, our veterans and our military families.  They mark the service of Americans who have left their homes and risked their lives to defend our freedoms. 

In the U.S. House of Representatives, I think it is important and fitting to single out such examples of service to our country.  With honor and with dignity, the Patriot Guard riders are a source of constant support to our servicemembers, past, present and future.  They are also a source of inspiration to young Americans considering a future in the service of our nation, and I am very proud to thank them for all their efforts.