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
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