One Hundred Flags: Sgt Ian Anderson

100 flags flew over Sgt Anderson's funeral in Lenexa, KS, January 2007.

After Action Report at Castle Arrggh! 100 Flags. Includes additional pictures and links to other observations of the funeral.

Excerpt:

I read the jackets as we passed out coffee. Patriot Guard Riders came from as far away as Medicine Lodge and Liberal, Kansas. As I handed out the coffee, the pin on one jacket caught my attention. The gentleman wearing it was about 30 or so. Young compared to most of the "vets" there. I glanced at it again and realized it was a "CIB" or combat infantry badge. The back of his jacket read "Iraqi Freedom Vet" and other patches from the Big Red One, 4th Infantry and 1stArmored among six total that decorated his jacket (thank you John and all the military guys at the Castle for the education that allowed me to name them).

Later, I saw several other young men with "vet" patches and hats. The next generation of vets are already standing up.[snip]

Again, over 70 motorcycles roared to life. With the additional cars, limos, hearse and two police escorts, the procession was at least five city blocks (appx. 1 mile). Flags were streaming as the procession passed. It was an awesome sight.

I have to give a big kudos to the people we passed. Everywhere you looked the cars were stopped. Some pulled to the side of the road and many just stopped where they were. I'm talking about everywhere, not just when the escort blocked an intersection. They stayed stopped until our procession when completely by. Even though that's proper "road etiquette" when approaching a funeral, that doesn't usually happen accept at intersections.

Whatever the reason for the courtesy, I can safely say that hundreds (if not thousands) of motorists were made aware that a soldier had come home Friday.

Read the rest here.


- May no soldier go unloved

About Soldiers' Angels Kansas City

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City is a group of Kansas Citians that belong to Soldiers' Angels. As individuals we adopt deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guard to provide letters, care packages and other needs as requested. As a group, we work in our communities to bring awareness of Soldiers' Angels and how other individuals, organizations and corporations can support our troops.

The Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family.

In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two. Within a few short months, Soldiers' Angels went from a mother writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of angels worldwide.

With more and more merchants donating services, money and items for packages, the Angels reorganized as a 501 c 3 non-profit so all donations would be tax deductible. Soldiers' Angels currently supports thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our Country's Flag and the number is growing daily.


Soldiers' Angels are dedicated in supporting our military during and after their deployment.

In December of 2004 a worldwide support forum was created. In hopes of providing a place where needs of our heroes can be fulfilled. In July 2006 This ordinary mothers youngest son, Bretton Varn started Boot Camp and looks forward to serving his country.

May God Bless Our Troops

- May no soldier go unloved
May no soldier walk alone
May no soldier be forgotten
Until they all come home