From one of the earliest newspaper reports:

"The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the overwhelming support from the community of Hazel Green and the outlying communities into Grant and Lafayette counties," said Michael Gorham, Lafayette County Sheriff's Department deputy and former Hazel Green police chief who serves as a spokesman for the family.

Deputy Gorham was a soldier in the '80s and was a mentor to Jesse.  Two days after the funeral he sent me an email in which he said about Jesse, "Forever I will stand in his shadow."  This is Mike: 

Pretty girl, protective dog. 

Iowa Jim returns. 

And Governor Walker arrives.

I was glad to see that the governor would sit through the funeral.  Governor Walker, elected in November of 2010, has redefined the relationship of public sector unions and their taxpayer-employers.  Everyone in Wisconsin has an opinion about that.  But today, his duty rises above the temporal. 

"No talking", pledge & prayer, and an admonishment.

I thought we did a fair job yesterday but John cracked the whip.  Standards would be maintained. 

And those of us who were here were glad to have high standards set.

Two jobs, plus army reserve, but he is here: 

Over at the cemetery, everything was in place.  The rifles, 

the trumpeter, 

and the three pre-folded flags. 

Bagpipes are not part of the Catholic or the military ritual.  They are not even American:

In traditional Celtic cultures, including both the Irish and Scottish cultures, bagpipes were an important part of a traditional funeral. After the Great Potato Famine of the mid-1840s, Irish immigrants came to the United States in huge numbers. Due primarily to racism and xenophobia, Irish people were often allowed to apply for only the most dangerous and difficult jobs, including the jobs of firefighter and police officer. Work-related deaths for firemen and cops were not uncommon, and when one or more of these deaths would occur, the Irish community would hold a traditional Irish funeral, including the mournful bagpipes.

Except, of course, we are all American now. 

And a handful of purely American patriots. 

When a gentleman from the funeral home positioned himself with the casket flag that would replace the white shroud, I knew the service was about to end. 

As I walked toward the door I saw the waiting patriots. 

I exited the church.  Jesse Jr. showed me his tow truck.  Joanna clutched her sippy-cup.  Both were dressed in their Saint Patrick best. 

One day they will understand.

We would stand for the transfer and then lead the procession into the cemetery. 

on to the cemetery

back to the Grindey Mission