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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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mr_stainglass 
Posts: 167
Newport News Virginia
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| 08 May 2008 6:53 AM |
 Alert
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| My appreciation and condolences go out to the family and friends of Robert Aragon. Thank you Robert for your service to our nation and for the sacrafices you made along the way for the liberties of freedom. Rest Easy. |
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Robert Magill RMC (SW) USN retired
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." -- John F. Kennedy |
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Rocktopper
Posts: 126
Tooele Utah
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| 09 May 2008 10:17 AM |
Alert
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PFC Robert Aragon has been laid to rest in a fitting manner. I had the distinct honor of being Ride Captain for my first mission and it was indeed a special mission in many ways.
I was of the Tooele High School Class of 1967 and Robert was of the Class of 1969. Robert served the same time that I did, but we did it in different parts of the world, Robert was in Europe, I was in Thailand. If I had not chosen to remain with the Army for 35 years, we would have been close friends. He was described as the type of person I would share much in common. It is ironic that he died of many of the same health problems that I face.
Oh, you of the Patriot Guard, you were magnificant. There were many more of Roberts friends there with their motorcycles to honor Robert, but you were the focal point.
There have been so many compliments for the flag line at the church. As always it was well done.
I had to depart to Tooele City Cemetary for I wore two hats on this mission.
I am the Commander of Veterans of Foriegn Wars Post 9413 men of Tooele, and I had to prepare my Honor Guard, not that there is much to be done, for these men have performed this duty with honor and respect for many a year before I was elected Post Commander.
The PGR proudly preceded the "Last Ride", the motorcyle hearse that carried Robert, followed by Roberts friends on their motorcycles. Danny Aragon, Robert's son selected a route that took the procession through the center of downtown Tooele.
A steep hill approches the cemetary, and Robert's finall resting place was outside the Cemetary Arch.
Starwalker and Cager Kitten held flags at the entrance and Willl and Bonnie Mair marked the start of the flag line.
Danny Aragon had requested that the American flag be held by a Great Granduncle at the head of the grave, and I attempted to honor this request. The gentelman could not be located, and I ended up carrying this flag to the head of the grave, and gave it to another family member to hold.
The PGR formed the flag line instinctively and then encircled the family and friends group. The
Catholic rites were performed, and then the VFW rites were begun.
I have stood in this place many times before as the Post Commander. I know the words by rote, have folded and presented many flags.
This day will never be forgotten. My family, the PGR was there, my comrades from the VFW were there, and I was presenting the flag for a fellow Vietnam Era Veteran. These factors combined and the emotions that washed over me at this precious moment reminded me in a way never to be forgotten, why we do what we do.
I have spoken with the family and directed them to this thread.
My heartfelt thanks to eveyone who made this mission a success.
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SFC Dennis H. Tracey
USA Retired
GS-13 DAC Retired
"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another"
Vietnam Veterans of America Founding Principle |
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