Patriot Guard Riders

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) is a 100% volunteer, federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the United States. Its mission is to ensure dignity and respect at memorial services for fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans.

Founding and History

The Patriot Guard Riders was founded in 2005 in Mulvane, Kansas, primarily as a response to protests by the Westboro Baptist Church at military funerals. The group was established to shield families of the deceased from these disruptions, providing a respectful environment by positioning themselves between mourners and protesters and drowning out chants with patriotic music or the noise of motorcycle engines.

Mission

The organization's main mission involves attending funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Beyond funerals, the PGR participates in welcome home celebrations for returning troops, deployment ceremonies, and performs volunteer work for veterans' organizations. The group also runs a program called Help On The Homefront (HOTH), which provides assistance to veterans and their families.

Membership and Activities

Membership in the PGR is open to anyone who shares a deep respect for those who serve the country, including military personnel and first responders. It is not necessary to be a veteran or to own a motorcycle to join; respect is the only prerequisite. The organization operates across all 50 states in the U.S. and involves thousands of volunteers.

Legal Status and Operations

The Patriot Guard Riders operates as a federally registered non-profit with no paid employees. All donations to the organization are tax-deductible. Despite often being referred to as a motorcycle club, the PGR defines itself as an Internet-based organization focused on honoring those who serve.

Trademark Protection

The organization has successfully registered several trademarks and has taken legal action to protect these marks from unauthorized use. For instance, a group in Michigan was required to change its name after using similar marks.

EIN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the Patriot Guard Riders is 20-6218193, but there might be some confusion with the provided EIN of 261281934. It is essential to ensure accurate information regarding the organization's official EIN. However, based on typical documentation, the commonly recognized EIN for this kind of organization should be verified for accuracy.

Reception and Impact

The Patriot Guard Riders have received widespread appreciation for their services, with many families expressing gratitude for the respect and dignity they bring to memorial services. The organization's presence has been described as comforting and respectful, contributing significantly to honoring those who have served.