Patriot Guard motorcyclists follow the funeral procession for Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Scott Smith on July 28, 2015. Smith was one of five servicemen whose death was the result of a series of shootings at local military facilities on July 16, 2015.Unwilling to allow the anniversary of the events of July 16, 2015, pass without recognition, George Bergen and Dan Parks set out to make sure the first anniversary of last year’s tragedy was memorable in a big way – at least 300 bikes big, to be exact.
Bergen, a member of Chattanooga’s division of the Patriot Guard, was responsible for gathering and organizing the motorcycles that escorted the funeral processions of Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith – men whom he considered friends – after they lost their lives in a gunman’s attack on the local military centers last year. This year, he’s taking that role a step further.
He’s arranging another motorcycle procession, this one in honor of all five fallen servicemen.
On July 16, beginning at 8 a.m. at Thunder Creek Harley Davidson, bikers from all across Chattanooga will join together in a memorial ride meant to honor the five fallen. Cars and trucks are also welcome, though they will most likely be sent ahead to help prevent traffic complications.
The vehicle participation fee of $15 will benefit Wreaths Across America, an organization which places wreaths on veterans’ graves, including at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.