Mid-morning
Monday, we returned to the funeral home.
The army transferred Ken to the hearse and then the Patriot Guard led
the procession through town.
Ken’s
sister Cindy – the one from
I had
positioned myself just across the street from the departure point and then
hustled back to my car to fit into the procession. We would travel through
The
signs say
It
was a Monday, a workday, and business was being conducted. Not everyone got out of their car but the
streets emptied at our approach. The few
vehicles that remained were stationary.
It’s
not everyday that a true American hero passes by.
South
of Danville but north of
I’m
glad I was able to get a focus on these two as I drove past. What an elegant image they made! They stopped.
They got out. They stood
side-by-side. They placed their hands
over their hearts.
It
wouldn’t be as meaningful if everyone were required to do it. But it is a powerful statement when anyone
volunteers to do it.
“The
tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of
patriots….” -Thomas Jefferson
We
reached the high school and formed-up at the entrance.
A
guest with the heart of a PGRider unfurled.
Many
people walked down our flagline. It was
good the school made the auditorium available.
It was good they loaned 30 students and a bus to help Larry.
And
it was good that their band participated.
The
American Legion stood as a silent welcome for the guests as they arrived.
The family
members and friends who would speak in the auditorium prepared themselves.
The
presiding general hid any anxiety.
The
Ride Captain’s job was done for the moment and he felt the weight of the
mission.
Outside,
the channel 15 videographer was diligent in her efforts.
She
found a dramatic angle to show the high school’s half-staffed flag.
Nearby
was a short brick wall with a single brass plague placed there 33 years
ago. Ken read that plaque.
1776
was two centuries earlier.
The
liberty, opportunity and justice of
They
were not awarded by an international agreement.
They
were earned by American soldiers.
The
many emergency vehicles came with personnel.
They
took advantage of our flagline to fine their places in it.
And
we were there. Patriot Guard Riders from
Most
of us were local, but there are local PGRiders everywhere. Every soldier can know that his hometown will
collect a dozen or more, should the need arise, no matter how rural and no
matter what season. These are the faces
of a few of us but there are many more who stood in spirit in front of that
high school that Monday.
…because
you were there for us, Ken.
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