Update:  4 JAN 07 @ 1323 CST - Illinois State Captain

Received this phone call today and email from Wayne Hill, Patriot Guard Rider.

Folks;

At approximately 6:00 AM this morning (01/03/07) Dad/Homer was called Home by our Lord and Savior. I thank you for all your support and prayers. The nursing staff advised that he went peacefully and painlessly to my mother's and God's side.

The visitation and subsequent Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 6th, 2007 at Park Wilson Funeral Home in Edinburg, IL with
internment next to his wife/my Mother in the Bethel Cemetery.

To those who didn't know, Homer was a veteran of some of the worst battles in the Pacific Theater of WWII as a member of the 6th Infantry
Div., U.S. Army. Battles such as Leyte Beach Invasion, Liberation of the Philippines, Luzon, etc.. Some of the traumas of that fighting stayed with him for the rest of his life, though he seldom discussed them and never spoke of his combat experiences in any detail. He has earned his blessed rest and reward!

Nancy would you please pass this on to the rest of the kin folks, especially the Scoons, Strietmatters, etc. if you have their contact info.

Respectfully

Wayne N. Hill Sr.

The Patriot Guard Riders will ride into Edinburg this coming Saturday, 6 Jan 07 to pay our respects and show the honor that was justly deserved by Homer.

Visitation is from 12:00 pm -1:30 pm at the Park-Wilson Funeral Home, 109 East Washington Street, Edinburg, IL 62531

Services will start at 1:30 pm with an escort following to Bethel Cemetery.

We will form a flag line and escort Homer to his final resting place.

Details will be forthcoming on the mission thread for the rally point and Ride Captain assigned.

Honorable PGR Members Who Stood For My Father-Homer Hill, January 6th, 2007

The Patriot Guard was prominent, impressive and respectful as ever, they made me completely satisfied that I had done everything I could to provide my Father with all the Honor his Mortal Remains could receive in their departure. The 10 bike column of two's escort with flags flying was appropriately impressive and Dare I brag, a larger contingent then the President gets! And in a final "Above and Beyond the Call of Duty" kindness, Senior Ride Captain Joe Tracy accepted  the request to be the sixth Pall Bearer for Homer. My friend and fellow PGR/QC FIST member Annette Wood stood the Flag Line with the Riders and took some pictures I asked for that I will share once their developed.

Homer's Grandson (my son) Thomas and his wife Kim and Great Grand Daughter Jemini did make it to the Funeral and were welcome. Jemi being 5 years old provided (comic relief to me) if vexing (to parents) energetic activity to her parents! Tommy though estranged from Dad & I for a time, has matured greatly after losing a his first son (Ethan) to SIDS at three months (I believe) after his birth. He was trying to earn enough to come from Indiana and visit Homer and become reunited as a family. He will carry the pain of that estrangement with him now. The Patriot Guard presented me with a Soldier's Angel Coin which I initially placed on Homer's chest to go with him. But in consideration of Thomas' grief I offered it to him, along with the PGR's memorial flag and mission pin also presented to me/the family at the grave site. Thomas and Kim and Jemi were also presented one of the *"Volley of Three" fired cartridge cases.
Family and Friends attended as well, giving Homer the diverse grouping of a family reunion, his favorite activity.

To all those involved, whether by thought or deed or presence or past inclusions of Homer in group activities, I extend my and Homer's heartfelt thanks and gratitude! You have all made my and my family's grief more bearable and helped us feel we "did right" by my father as we laid his body to rest next to my Mother/his wife.
With Gratitude To All
Wayne, Thomas, Kim, Jemi Hill & Marie
*
*"Volley of Three" fired at military funerals is NOT the well know 21 Gun salute. Though there are 21 shots fired, the Volley of Three is fired from RIFLES whereas in the MILITARY a GUN is too large to put to your shoulder! A 155mm Howitzer is a GUN, the Massive Guns of the USS Missouri are.....GUNS.
The Volley Of Three historically was used during large extended battles such as during the trench warfare of WW I. When the warring sides had sufficient wounded and dead to be gathered from the battle field a temporary truce ensued during which the sides removed their wounded & dead. When each side was finished with this task and ready to resume battle they sent 7 riflemen out who fired three volleys of shots signifying the end of the truce/activity. Hence the Volley Of Three now signifies that this Soldier's
Battles are over.
 

Homer's son, OFM Wayne
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