Ortonville-Army veteran Steven Bellant was honored on Sept. 4 by about 60 members of the Patriot Guard following services at Coats Village Funeral Home, Sherman Wilk Chapel, 135 South St.
Patriot Guard Ride Captain and Independence Township resident John Koval said the group was invited by the family to post in front of the funeral home and escort the family along with the fallen soldier to the cemetery.
‘They are all heroes to us,? said Koval, who has attended about 40 funerals. ‘That’s why we are here, given the sacrifice the soldier and family makes, it’s an absolute honor to be asked to come. Right now about 150,000 members of the Patriot Guard are serving across the United States, and contrary to some beliefs, you don’t have to ride a motorcycle. We are open to anyone who wants to show respect and is willing to show up.?
Koval added that a secondary purpose of the Patriot Guard is to shield the family from protestors, if necessary.
‘It’s not too common in Michigan, but it has happened over the years. When the service is over, the family receives a plaque from the Guard.?
The Patriot Guard was formed in August 2005 with the American Legion Riders Chapter 136 from Kansas.