Motorcyclists Pay Tribute to Fallen Soldier

They rode in from as far away as Sarasota, Orlando, North Port and Lakelend. 75 motorcyclists with Florida's Patriot Guard Riders honored fallen soldier Zack Shannon, 21, by participating in Monday's procession that escorted Shannon's remains to Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor.

The Dunedin soldier died when his helicopter went down in Afghanistan earlier this month. The motorcycle riders, who did not even know the young man, wanted Shannon's family and the rest of the community to know that they care.

"This means a lot to them. They came for this, just to show their respect for our fallen hero," said Thomas "T-Man" Brown, a Largo resident who is Assistant Captain of Florida's Patriot Guard Riders.

The Patriot Guard Riders are a nationwide organization. Members attend funeral services of military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The Patriot Guard Riders always attend as invited guests. If there are any disruptions at the funeral services by protesters they will also shield the fallen soldier's family. 

In addition to joining the procession Monday, "T-Man" says the Florida riders participated in Shannon's memorial service on Sunday.

"We did a flag lap for the memorial service. I'm sure the family's pretty pleased with all the people who turned out to show their respect for their son."

Learn more about the Patriot Guard Riders

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Special thanks to Patch reader Rick Bennett for providing photos of the Patriot Guard Riders.

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