82nd Airborne Fallen Soilder Coming Home to Kinnelon

[Wojo 98]

If you can make it on Sunday, show your support. I'll be there with my family. My wife's grandfather jumped on D-Day with the 82nd and then went on to train paratroopers for Korea and Vietnam.

 

As Veteran's Day becomes less and less significant to complacent Americans, and VFW / American Legion Halls lose membership, it is important to honor our service members when we can.

 

http://triboro.patch.com/articles/residents-to-line-kinnelon-road-for-fallen-soldier-s-procession-sunday

[bhunted 887]

I believe our Patriot Guard Group will be there with Flag lines and any escorts they agreed to. Not sure of the whole schedule....

Thank you Specialist for your service. May you rest in peace among the honored and fallen.

[mipafox 438]

All The Way, Sir, AIRBORNE.

 

Bury him in the Leaning Rest.

[Wojo 98]

Excellent out pouring of the local communities. The last mile was essentially shoulder to shoulder with the majority of people waving flags. If was eery how silent such a large gathering of people were until the funeral procession passed. It really was a moving event. 10 minutes after the procession it started to rain. Nothing like a little help from the powers that be to hold off some rain.

[lunker 274]

I am glad there was such a good turnout. I hope it helped bring some comfort to the loved ones he left behind.

[Wojo 98]

I hope so too. But seeing some of the people in the funeral procession lose it when they topped the hill and saw the massive line of people and flags lining the road was heart wrenching. My wife lost it seeing thier reaction. We were positioned within the first 50' of the line. I had a large Besty Ross Flag flying.

[lunker 274]

Wojo, I appreciate you taking the time and effort to be there. I don't peruse the local papers much.Do you know of any other resource that lists events like this? I would attend local ones if possible. I have seen them go down Route 36 near my house, but never knew in advance that it was happening.

[bhunted 887]

Join the Patriot Guard, get on the email list and you got it... Pick up a collapsible flag, some Patriot Guard gear and your set. Wojo just joined and I've been a member for years... You won't regret it.

Wojo, I appreciate you taking the time and effort to be there. I don't peruse the local papers much.Do you know of any other resource that lists events like this? I would attend local ones if possible. I have seen them go down Route 36 near my house, but never knew in advance that it was happening.

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[bhunted 887]

I've stood those lines enough to know, my heart gets wrenched almost everytime. Hard to hold back the tears. I was on the flag line once and this female family member came running at me full bore. I thought she was going to run me over. She grabbed me crying and hugging me saying thank you over and over. She was so grateful we were there to show support. All you can do is say, "It's my honor you allowed us to be here, and NO, thank YOU for your family member's sacrifice." A great hero is still standing watch from above!

 

I hope so too. But seeing some of the people in the funeral procession lose it when they topped the hill and saw the massive line of people and flags lining the road was heart wrenching. My wife lost it seeing thier reaction. We were positioned within the first 50' of the line. I had a large Besty Ross Flag flying.

 

 

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[bhunted 887]

My bad... Here is the link.http://www.patriotguard.org/

[lunker 274]

I haven't ridden in a year or two. I sold my Harley when I found out I have inner ear imbalance problems and my DR told me I was an idiot if I continued riding. Are there non-riders in the Patriot Guard?

[bhunted 887]

Absolutely! No bike needed. Take your car or truck. You'll be referred as a 'cager'... (biker lingo..lol)...

 

I haven't ridden in a year or two. I sold my Harley when I found out I have inner ear imbalance problems and my DR told me I was an idiot if I continued riding. Are there non-riders in the Patriot Guard?

 

 

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[BlueLineFish 615]

Absolutely! No bike needed. Take your car or truck. You'll be referred as a 'cager'... (biker lingo..lol)...

 

 

 

 

Sent from John's iPad 2 via Tapatalk HD

 

Thats good to know. Will look into this more

[Wojo 98]

I've had the unfortunate experience to attend a few funerals of friends / brothers while in uniform. It is never easy.

 

The highest honor I had was being party of a funeral detail was when I was 'volunteered' out of boot camp to be part of a large procession at Arlington. Our most recent Commandant passed away just weeks after retiring and he got full honors including the same caisson the held JFK's body. 1903 Springfield's, chromed 16" bayonets, full dress as you can get. We were told President Reagan was going to be there, but then VP GHW Bush personally came and inspected our ranks. I mean, actually walked the rows. Talk about high pressure. All I saw was him pass by the zit on the back of guys neck in front of me that I had been staring at for hours (eyes in the boat).

 

Standing by the CG Monument in Arlington we had the fly by, the 21 gun salute and then during Taps, I thought my heart was going to burst with pride. I had to do everything to keep stone-faced. Remaining motionless was easy. Remaining emotionless was impossible.