Motorcycle Police Officer

(cc) Paul O'Rear - Flickr

(cc) Paul O’Rear – Flickr

Featured Photograph for the week of July 8, 2012.

This photo was taken as a group of motorcycle police officers led a funeral procession for a fallen soldier.

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO

April 16, 2011: PFC Joel Ramirez was barely a month into his first deployment when he was killed by a roadside bomb that detonated underneath his vehicle in the Nimroz Province of southwestern Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

On Friday, April 29, 2011, the Texas Patriot Guard Riders joined local law enforcement and funeral personnel to escort Ramirez’ body from the Mid-Way Regional Airport, where it arrived by private jet, to the Wayne Boze Funeral Home about six miles away.

Citizens and flags lined much of the procession route to pay honor and tribute to Ramirez and to show a community’s love and support to his family, as seen in this video from the point of view of one of the Patriot Guard Riders.


Paul O'Rear Signature

Photo Credit:

  1. Motorcycle Police Officer, by Paul O’Rear (Flickr), Creative Commons License

Sources:

  1. Star-Telegram, “Pfc. Joel Ramirez Obituary Notice.” Last modified April 20, 2011. Accessed July 14, 2012. https://www.pgrtexas.org/North Texas/2011/April/April-29-Ramirez.htm.
  2. MilitaryTimes, “Honor the Fallen: Army Spc. Joel A. Ramirez.” Accessed July 14, 2012. https://militarytimes.com/valor/army-pfc-joel-a-ramirez/6281623/.
  3. Texas Patriot Guard Riders, “North Texas PGR FINAL ITINERARY: PFC Joel A. Ramirez.” Accessed July 14, 2012. https://www.pgrtexas.org/North Texas/2011/April/April-29-Ramirez.htm.

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4 thoughts on “Motorcycle Police Officer

  1. Paul, the video by the Patriot Guard is so touching, and so heart-breaking. I didn’t even know this young man, and it broke MY heart. I can’t even imagine the agonizing grief his family and close friends felt, but I hope and pray that when they saw this outpouring of support and patriotism, it helped them to cope.

    I can’t help but wonder what the government will do next: outlaw this kind of patriotism because it might OFFEND SOMEONE? God help us all if it ever comes to that! We must PRAY, and we must VOTE OUT all the wolves in sheep’s clothing who are trying to take away our freedoms!

    • Mom: Very few times in my life have I been as deeply touched as I was by the whole situation with this young man’s death, the outpouring of love from this community, and the selfless service provided by the Patriot Guard. It was emotional and inspirational at the same time.

  2. This video really touched my heart. What a beautiful sight. I know the family was very touched by the action of the community. And what a community…..one I would be proud to live in. My heart goes out to his family. And to the Patriot Guard, job well done. You have such big hearts.

    Paul, I just found your wed site….so glad I did. What a wonderful thing you are doing. I hope everyone that watches your videos or reads your stories are touched as deeply as I am.

    • Barbara: I am so glad you have found my website! Welcome! Please feel free to comment any time you are moved to do so. Waxahachie really is a wonderful community, a community I am proud to be part of. Thanks for your comment.

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