Story of funeral day:
Amy:
In the early morning of funeral day, a few of us
had gathered in the most distant corner of the church parking lot.
Then Amy brought doughnuts and coffee over to us.
Then she wrote a check to make a contribution.
Then she apologized that she couldn’t give more.
If she weren’t busy supporting the funeral in so
many other ways, I’m sure she would have asked for a flag and a place to stand.
Even in death, Joey was a catalyst. Events like this bring out the best in most
people. And sadly, the very worst in a
very few.
From Joey’s funeral site, travel 6 miles south on
45, then 19 miles west on 176 and you reach the funeral site of Christopher
Antonik where the PGR had stood 24 hours earlier.
Shirley, Lois, Jacob and Gabriel were also there,
25 miles away, 24 hours earlier. They
understand that the emotions of a military funeral intensify their message of hatred.(Use the browser back-arrow to
return here.)
The two top cops of
There is a reassuring authority in the face of
Undersheriff Fagan. When I see him I
think, “We were working bunko out of the three-nine. The boss is Chuck Fagan. My partner is Bill Gannon. My name is Friday.”
Here, Fred and Dave return from their
reconnaissance. Behind them, you can see
a few of the Deputies’ vehicles. There
was also a command vehicle – a big truck with enhanced communications
resources. And a paddy-wagon.
Beyond the houses in the background, Undersheriff
Fagan had blocked-off a section of street.
This is the view looking back from that blocked
street toward the cop cars.
Shirley, Lois, Jacob and Gabriel are welcome to
visit
“We know just what to do for them” he explained.
Ranger Donald A. McCormick of
He was a World War Two prisoner-of-war for 404
days.
Governor Patrick J. Quinn of
…as he almost always does.
He went down our flagline greeting each individual.
He had a fair, clear day, weatherwise.
But he also takes time to look each flagholder
straight in the eye even when it is cold or raining.
When the funeral service for Joey began, we
closed-ranks before the church doors.
The vestibule was being used as an extension of the sanctuary. Latecomers would have to use another
entrance.
Amanda Marrazzzo was there to write for the Tribune. I asked her why she wore heels if she weren’t
going inside.
“Just to be respectful” she explained.
After a time, we were called to learn of the
remaining plans. The Axemen
(firefighters) were among us again.
My younger step-son Jim and his wife Anna visited
recently. He was a soldier and is now a
fireman. He told me he is part of their
honor guard.
“It’s kind of like what you do” he explained.
And then we formed lines between which Joey would
be carried from the church to the hearse.
The Rangers, including Mr. McCormick, lined-up too.
And then we moved in procession to the
cemetery. One last ride with Joey.
Past more neighbors than he ever knew he had.
And then we rolled into his new neighborhood.
His family stood closest, ringed by his friends and
his neighbors. The Patriot Guard circled
everyone except the army.
The rifle squad finished and withdrew.
The piper withdrew as he finished.
And the PGRiders marched out single-file and
wordlessly.
We did what we could.
on to later that day
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