It was cold. If there had been snow on the ground, as
there is at this time some years, you would know it was cold. Instead, this weather had surprised most of
us. The humidity made the air rapidly
drain heat from any exposed skin. Standing in this weather for any length of time saps your strength.
Still, nine of us escorted
Ashley Sietsema from the funeral home to the
cemetery. Those nine had also to ride to
and from their homes. I, like most of
us, was in a cage so most of us were waiting at the cemetery for Ashley’s
arrival. Two
~~~
Earlier that morning we
all had stood through the two-hour visitation that preceded the service, both
of which were held at the funeral home.
The VFW down the block had much to offer but never were
more than a few of us absent from our cold flagline
in front of the building.
~~~
Earlier still, I was in
the rear of the building with the American Legion and others who stood their
line to honor the family as they arrived and lined-up their cars for the
procession later. I had no idea where my
fellow PGRiders were.
~~~
Earlier I was not paying
much attention as Scoot explained during her briefing that the American Legion
would stand in the rear and we would stand in the front. I was honored that she called on me to offer
a prayer.
~~~
Earlier I left before
sunrise in a light rain. Less than a
week before, a young soldier had died in
First album: American Legion 57, 66, 99, 540, 549 &
1010
VFW 1486, 2287 &
2377, AmVets 90
and the Marine League of
Second album: PGR
and the Lieutenant Governor
Third album: PGR
and the funeral procession
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