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The
Defenders Motorcycle Club of Tampa
Supported the Patriot Guard Riders on their Mission Run for SGT Christian B. Williams |
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The Patriot Guard Riders of Florida were honored to be the guests
of the family and friends of SGT Christian B. Williams. As we laid to
rest the fine Marine each of us shared the grief of the mourning
family, friends and comrades in arms. We rallied early at the Publix parking lot in Winter Haven, Florida. The church was directly across the street. Riders poured in from all over the state. |
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 A count of bikes present was 77. A good showing for a Monday. |
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Soon flags were unfurled and the Florida members of the Patriot Guard formed a flag line in front of the church to show our respect for SGT Christian Williams and his family. What had started out as a cool and comfortable morning soon turned into another steamy Florida day. Temperatures rose rapidly and the Patriot Guard Riders began hitting the bottled water hard. Thanks go to Publix Supermarket for their contribution of fresh water for the riders. |
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 The Riders grabbed a little shade where ever they could find it. |
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 We had a lot of first time riders on this day. Doc Griz gave a safety briefing and everyone was told what to expect. |
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 Riders kept showing up right up to the time we were to move to the church. |
 They came from miles around. Several from Jacksonville and some from Fort Lauderdale |
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Finally it appeared that everyone who was going to show up had. Doc
Griz gave the safety briefing and Clayton Murphy gave a few final words
before we made the short trek to the church to form up and display the
flags. Doc Griz brought his son on this mission. He helped pass out water and look after the needs of the bikers. We hope to see him again at future missions. |
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We formed our flag line and were standing by when the family arrived. After the service began Patriot Guard Riders took advantage of the shady lawn in front of the church and waited. We would form up again before the family left and provide a tunnel of flags for SGT Williams and his family. |
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We rested before the long ride through the countryside to the National
Cemetery at Bushnell, Florida. The Pasco County Sheriff's Department
did a superb job of escorting us from Winter Haven to SGT Williams
final resting place. They guided us through some of Florida's finest
countryside safely. We all had SGT Williams and his family on our minds as we rode through the beautiful farmland of central Florida. |
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When we arrived at the National Cemetery we again formed up and renders
our final salutes to this young hero. His comrades in arms were
standing tall and proud. The Marines always look out for their own and
their discipline and respect for their fallen friend was impressive.
They will miss SGT Christian Williams and I am sure that they will
never forget his sacrifice or the sacrifice his family made for this
great country. |
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Rest easy SGT Christian Williams. Your duty is done. You served honorably and with great bravery and distinction. We are all proud of you and your sacrifice. There is a special place in heaven for Marines. You are in good company now. Semper Fi. |
