One of the main reasons that we are able to have such a outstanding impact during a mission is our flag presentation. The usage of the USA flag was been one of the three core items at a mission since the begining of the PGR. (The other two being, motorcycle noise/visiblity and Respect from an unlikely source). In the beginning many of us tried to provide flags at a mission. However this was difficult when riding a motorcycle and the presentation was ragged, yet beautiful.
As the S.E. Texas PGR grew in membership and the number of missions per month, we found that we had the resources to start providing a standard. From this the Flag Truck was born. Later we added Drinking Water to the Flag Truck duties and renamed it: Support Vehicle. As many of you have seen we haul pre-assimbled USA flags to every mission. The Assembly takes a little time per flag but once done, that flag will fly at missions as long as needed or until the flag is worn out.
At the conclussion of each mission the flags are returned to the support vehicle under the supervision of an RC and the Captain of Flags. Any flag that has needs special attention is mark and may later be pulled out of service and disposed of properly. If the mission was conducted in adverse weather then once the Support Vehicle has returned home, ALL FLAGS will be removed, and un-rolled so that they may be properly cleaned and dryed. This takes time and dedication.
The flags and poles cost money, plus the gasoline for a truck is more than a motorcycle. Depending on the estimated attendence the support vehicle may be hauling 250 flags and SEVERAL dozen cases of Water. Higher weight equals lower MPG and extra work. To help pay for the expenses of the Support Vehicle we have introduced a Flag Dedication program.
Each flag dedication is printed on a label that is permantly fixed to the flag pole. ALL KIA's that SETexas PGR has attended is already included. A dedication is any Deseased Veteran of the USA armed forces since the beginning of the USA. For a dedication to be added to a flag, the following information is required.
Please print this page, fill in the information above and give it to one of the Senior Ride Captains. * PS: occasionaly the Medals or citation may be extensive, we do not wish to ignore any but space on the label is limited. |
