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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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| Author |
Messages |
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CUGLAND 
Posts: 347
Rochester, MN
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| 11 Jun 2007 5:20 PM |
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| Below is a map of Kenyon showing where the staging is located. Due to heavy traffic, please avoid the VFW Area before the mission. |
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Craig Ugland
Ride Captain - Rochester Sector
Senior Ride Captain - Southern MN
Just as a soldier can not fight on an empty stomach, neither can they fight with a broken heart feeling that they fight unsupported by those for whom they fight.
"with Freedom and Justice for all." |
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dbley
Posts: 654
Twin Cities
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| 11 Jun 2007 10:01 PM |
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Staging for the West Metro sectors and all others who want to join....
Staging open at 12:15 pm Fairbault Harley-Davidson
Just west of I-35 off of Highway 21 (see map link below)
http://www.faribaulthd.com/map_hours.asp
For those travelling any distance there is a gas station just East of
I-35 on Highway 21 with high octane gas
12:35 pm waivers signed and group formed
12:45 pm kickstands up
1:15 pm arrive in Kenyon, MN (approximately 15 miles)
We will not do a mission briefing at this staging area.
This is a formal honor mission as Maj Danielson is now listed as a KIA
and his name was entered on the Viet Nam Veterans Wall this past
Memorial Day. |
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Doug Bley
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of my friend John Gorman - Rangers 2bn - Dog Company - WWII
"Rangers Lead The Way!" |
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Tuxedo61
Posts: 133
Rice Lake, WI
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| 12 Jun 2007 8:07 AM |
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Our sincerest condolences to the family of Maj. Ben Danielson. It is our solemn prayer that this final leg of Maj. Danielsons long and epic journey will bring comfort and peace to all who have held his spirit in their hearts these oh so many years.
It will be a great honor to escort the Major to his final resting place, back home in the land and country he loved and defended so bravely and valiantly. Though we know his spirit and soul returned to us long ago and he has been welcoming many a fellow veteran "HOME" for all these years!
Standing by in Rice Lake |
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"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
- Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address March 4, 1865
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calamityjane
Posts: 2561
brooklyn park mn
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| 12 Jun 2007 10:03 AM |
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my deepest sympathies to family and friends of Major Ben Danielson. thank-you sir for your services so many years. you are a HERO in my book.
calamityjane |
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Riding in Honor of my Father DLJ and grandfather WWI veteran EJPL
Riding in Memory 'DakotaLawDog' Paul Anderson
A Hero is no braver than a ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
He was the kind if you got in trouble you didn't look back to see if he was still with you, you knew damned well he was. ~Sackett by Louis L'Amour
Each man owes a debt to his family, his country and his species to leave sons and daughters who will lead, inspire and create.~Sackett's Land by Louis L'Amour
Never drive faster then your angels can fly. Be Safe....
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madjack56
Posts: 274
Rio Rancho, NM
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| 12 Jun 2007 3:39 PM |
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| Thirty-eight years is a long time to wait to welcome home this hero. My most profound condolences to the family and friends of Maj. Danielson. May you all find peace in the knowledge that he has finally found his way home. As a fellow "blue-suiter", I wish to say to Ben, "Aim high! You will never be forgotten, Brother!" |
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"It is well that war is so terrible- lest we should grow too fond of it." - Gen. Robert E. Lee, Fredricksburg, VA, 1862
SSgt. Jack Gilbert
60th MAW
Travis AFB, CA
1974-80 |
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Tiggr's Grrrl
Posts: 26
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| 12 Jun 2007 8:40 PM |
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Our condolences to the family of Maj. Ben Danielson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Major Danielson, THANK YOU, for your service and sacrifice for our country. You will never be forgotten.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you. Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier. One died for your sins, the other for your freedom.
Standing by in Ladysmith.
Gene and Barb James |
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kotewa1
Posts: 62
Fairmont, MN
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| 12 Jun 2007 9:50 PM |
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| Maj. Ben Danielson |
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Our thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of this Great American Hero. Thank you for your courage, service and sacrifice for our Nation.
God Bless
Mark & DeDe Kotewa
Fairmont, MN
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Anne Frank: |
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alsroadkingclassic
Posts: 55
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| 13 Jun 2007 8:15 AM |
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Our condolences to the family of Maj. Ben Danielson. I will proudly stand for this true American Hero.
Major Danielson will get the show of respect that so many of our heros from the Vietnam Conflict did not.
Rest in Peace Major Danielson, and thank you and to your family for your sacrifice!
Al DeKruif
Mankato ARC
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robiam
Posts: 435
Felton PA,
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| 13 Jun 2007 9:55 AM |
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Thank you Maj. Danielson and WELCOME HOME. . . .
rest at peace |
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RobD
"Try not. Do or Do not . . . There is no try"
Yoda |
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gcelton
Posts: 37
"Redleg" Cottage Grove, MN
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| 13 Jun 2007 10:03 AM |
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Welcome home Brother. Thank you for supporting this "Red Leg" in Vietnam. There was no more beutiful sight than air support coming in low when those of us on the ground were in a bit of difficulty.
My condolences to the family and friends of Major Danielson. Rest in Peace - your mission is now complete. May God welcome you with open arms.
Standing by in Cottage Grove . . . |
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Gordon C. Elton
U.S. Army, Field Artillery (Ret)
1968-1993
Life Member VFW Post 9024 |
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greyline
Posts: 323
Bellevue, NE
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| 13 Jun 2007 10:21 AM |
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Welcome home to a fellow RVN vet and warrior. Thanks to my PGR brothers and sisters in Minnesota for making sure that this man is given the honors he deserves. May God welcome Maj. Danielson into his arms, and may He finally give peace to this man's loved ones.
I cannot make this mission, but I will be riding with you in spirit.
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Tommy Thompson
USA, Retired
MACV '65-'66
"Where Valkyries gather you will find the warrior hero. Their rally cry "Never Again" rings like a clarion throughout all of Valhalla. Ride proudly brothers and sisters...the cause is noble. And truly you are as angels on the wind." |
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daherja
Posts: 138
Stacy, MN
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| 13 Jun 2007 12:17 PM |
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Staging for NE & SE Metro
The
NE & SE Metro will be staging at the Petrol Pumper, 11650
Courthouse Blvd, Inver Grove Heights, MN. This is just off Hwy 52 &
117th St. Please follow this link for the Map of this location.
http://maps.live.com/?v=2&sp=yp.YN446x8114471&encType=1
Staging opens: 1200 (12pm)
Depart: 1245 (12:45pm)
Arrive Kenyon: 1330 (1:30pm) |
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JD
Proud to have served, Proud to be serving again.
USNR 84-92
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gwinslow
Posts: 535
Amboy, MN
Minnesota
Assistant State Captain
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| 14 Jun 2007 10:38 AM |
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Mankato Sector Staging
Staging will be at Mankato Harley Davidson , 1200 N River Dr, Mankato, MN (just south of US 169 & Hwy 14).
1100 - Staging Open, waivers signed
1115 - Kickstands Up
1200 - BP Gas Station near Fairbault HD
1215 - Arrive Fairbault Harley-Davison |
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George H Winslow, Jr.
Minnesota Assistant State Captain
Minnesota Patriot Guard / Patriot Guard Riders
Red, White, & Blue Book - MN Coordinator |
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Monica
Posts: 854
"EOF"
Northfield, MN
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| 14 Jun 2007 11:30 AM |
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Major Danielson, we are forever in your debt. It is indeed an honor to attend services as you are finally welcomed home.
To the Danielson family...my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your long wait is over; may you feel the love and support of all of us as you walk through the days ahead.
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<______ For D, K, K ______>
"This ain't rocket surgery." |
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Aranel
Posts: 1929
Houston, Tx
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| 14 Jun 2007 1:32 PM |
Alert
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| bump for update |
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lee375
Posts: 16
Blooming Prairie Minnesota
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| 15 Jun 2007 10:35 PM |
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It was an Honor to pay respect to a Mn. Hero today-God Bless the Family and Friends of Maj.Ben Danielson-Lee&Connor Robbins
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dwr508
Posts: 3
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| 15 Jun 2007 10:36 PM |
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| I just wanted to say I just arrived home from the ceremony. What an unbelievable experience. This was my first time seeing the PG in action. I have to say it was an overwhelming sight to see you guys! The flags, the bikes, the patch, all the members standing there for one cause. WOW. I spoke with a few of the Danielson relatives and they had nothing but great things to say about the PG display. Thanks again for everything you do!!!! ~Derek |
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Una Stamus |
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rsamos
Posts: 1
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| 16 Jun 2007 9:18 AM |
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It was an honor both to be able to be there for Major Danielson, as well as an honor to stand with the other PGR riders.
May you rest in peace Major. Welcome home.
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dbley
Posts: 654
Twin Cities
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| 16 Jun 2007 9:37 AM |
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share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0CcMWrZs1ZMWEc
I hope this link works....
Thank you to the Danielson's for inviting us and for the wonderful reception the Kenyon community gave us. A memorable day... |
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Doug Bley
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of my friend John Gorman - Rangers 2bn - Dog Company - WWII
"Rangers Lead The Way!" |
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trident_t150
Posts: 715
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 16 Jun 2007 12:36 PM |
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Words cannot describe the day we had. Some of us had the privilege of being escorts for the family, and the warm greetings we received at the funeral home from family members will stay with us forever. I wish all who went ahead and established the flag line could have seen what we saw approaching the church. When we approached the final half mile or so, we could see flashes of sunlight off chrome, and then topping the final crest, all we saw was a field of Red, White, and Blue behind a line of motorcycles parked on the road, as more than 200 flags waited for our arrival.
Here are more pictures
You may freely copy and keep any that you wish, or order prints directly from Shutterly.
Cug, the logistics you had to deal with were obviously enormous. Congrats on a job well done. |
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport, where a T33 was erected in memory of my first cousin and best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, who died in service to his country in 1978, and in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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Tuxedo61
Posts: 133
Rice Lake, WI
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| 16 Jun 2007 5:12 PM |
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| Ditto to what Trident said. I also had the honor of being in the escort and when we came over thet last hilll, you guys and gals just took my breath away. That sea of red, white and blue was just amazing. What a beautiful day, what a beautiful ceremony. Thank you to the Danielson family for letting us be a small part of such an amazing thing. Thanks to the community of Kenyon for the incredibly warm welcome. |
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"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
- Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address March 4, 1865
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dwr508
Posts: 3
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| 17 Jun 2007 9:10 PM |
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http://www.kttc.com/News/index.php?ID=15999
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&a=297851 |
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Una Stamus |
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mholiver
Posts: 740
Metairie, Louisiana
suburb of
Ole Nawlins'
New Orleans
Ride Captain
Louisiana
HOTH Coordinator
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| 18 Jun 2007 7:56 AM |
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Wow, what a great story of rendering of respect and honors to a fallen hero finally returning home. I'm moved to tears and so proud of my PGR fellows.
Major Danielson, your sacrifice will never be forgotten. I've written your name in my book to find you and touch you the next time I'm peering at the wall.
rgds
Mike
New Orleans Ride Captain
mholiver@qwickconnect.net |
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"Mike" Oliver
USN P-3 Airdale 1980-86
Riding in memory of my Dad and Hero, Herb Oliver
Army Medic, Pacific Theater, WWII
and in memory of Mike Bares & Tommy Tomkatz Poss
'04 Yamaha FJR 1300 "Isabella"
I'm so reminded of James Michener's quote
from his book, and later from the movie,
"The Bridges at Toko-Ri":
"Where do we find these men?"
Louisiana Red, White, & Blue Book Coordinator
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Jackstopp
Posts: 1357
Chesapeake, Virginia
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| 18 Jun 2007 12:10 PM |
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| To my PGR brothers and sisters, I want to pass along comments from one of our local firefighters that was either in attendance at the services for Major Danielson or he was just in the area. Either way, he was extremely impressed by the professionalism and respect shown by all of you in attendance. He was in awe that so many people would come out to pay their respects for someone they didn't know. I had given one of my PGR business cards to the Fire Marshall who in turn gave it to this firefighter. After I explained our mission and the fact that he didn't have to be a motorcyclist, he told me would visit our website today and sign up. Thank you all for presenting such a respectful display that would inspire others to join us. RIDE SAFE, JACK |
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Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Cor. 14:40
USAF Air Weather Service (MAC) 68-72
Tan Son Nhut AB and Phan Rang AB, RVN '71
American Legion Riders, Post #216, Milford, Michigan
VFW member
PGR #20004 |
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CUGLAND
Posts: 347
Rochester, MN
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| 21 Jun 2007 4:57 PM |
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Final Ride Report – Maj. Ben Danielson – MIA / KIA Vietnam – 15 JUN 07
On December 5, 1969, Capt. Danielson’s aircraft, an F-4C Phantom Jet, was shot down over Mu Gia Pass in Laos. The attempt to rescue him, now know as the “Rescue of Boxer 22” can be officially know as one of the largest airborne Search & Rescue in history. Over the course of 51 hours, our armed forces provided almost 500 sorties and unfortunately sacrificed the life of Airman 1st Class David Davison. While 1LT Woody Bergeron was rescued, Capt. Danielson was not. Capt. Danielson was posthumously awarded the rank of Major.
Maj. Danielson’s son, Lt. Cmdr Brian Danielson traveled to Laos with the Joint MIA/POW Accounting Command in March of 2006 to visit the excavation site, and Maj. Danielson’s remains were flown back to Kenyon, MN on May 17, 2007. Maj. Danielson was repatriated on June 15, 2007.
The day started off with a quick stop in Zumbrota to pick up a special guest, Harriet. She is an injured Bald Eagle that lives at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Her handler, Bob Snitgen, a Vietnam Vet, asked to participate in the day’s events. After a quick ride around Kenyon, we stopped at the Kenyon VFW. We double-checked that everything was still as planned and then headed down to the Kenyon-Wanamingo High School. We got everything in order, and waited for the bikes to start rolling in, and boy did they ever. We had two large groups come from East and West metro. Along with the rest of the riders, we had approximately 185 bikes, 10 cages and well over 250 riders. We were also joined by the In-Country Vets M/C and the local Rolling Thunder Chapter. Due to the complicated schedule, I started with a quick pre-briefing with all the leadership in attendance. Once that was complete, we ran through the day’s itinerary with the rest of the riders. Once complete, Diane Kinney led us in a prayer for this day’s very special Honor Mission.
Once the briefing was complete, I sent out our selected group of Flag Bikes to the Hanson Funeral Home. The Flag Bikes would be the Danielson Family’s personal escort to the Military Services. With an escort by the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Dept, we headed through Kenyon past the Hanson Funeral Home to pick up the hearse and Danielson Family and head out of town to the Holden Lutheran Church. What a ride that was. Every intersection we encountered was graciously blocked by the Kenyon Volunteer Fire Dept. and MN State Patrol. A great big thanks goes out to them for providing us safe passage through town.
As we arrived out at Holden Church, everyone parked as required and made the jaunt to the church parking lot, where flag lines were formed. With a little tweaking, we where ready for the Hearse and Danielson Family arrival. Several family members told me they were very surprised and in awe as they came over the final hill and saw all the Flags waving behind the glisten of the bikes in the sun. What a sight, I am sure.
I was also later told that when the Flag Bikes, Hearse, and Danielson Family arrived, a Bald Eagle circled the church parking lot, before continuing on with its journey. I honestly think someone was looking down on us.
We held our flag line as the casket was brought into the church and all guests entered the church. As the service began, we took a much-needed break from the sun and heat. Again, the Kenyon VFW was there with cold water and such for our riders to stay hydrated. I saw several of the riders intermingling with the dozen or so VFW & A/L Color Guards in attendance, and of coarse paying a visit to Harriet, the bald Eagle.
Midway through the service, Monica Mead (State Co-Captain), Greg Turgeon (Rochester ARC), and I entered the church to present our plaques to the Danielson Family. After several speakers, it was our turn to present our plaques to the Danielson family. Thankfully, Monica took to the microphone as I presented one of the plaques to Mary Danielson-Gates, Major Danielson’s widow. I read the inscription as best I could, but the church seemed to get very misty at that time, maybe it was just me. Mary asked for a hug, and of coarse I couldn’t pass that up. Then, I gave Mary a ‘Mission Accomplished’ Pin from my vest. She graciously accepted it, and asked for a 2nd pin for her mother-in-law, of coarse I obliged. While I was consumed with Mary, Monica read the inscription on the plaque and then presented it to Brian Danielson, along with a 2nd ‘Mission Accomplished’ Pin. I was still a bit misty eyed as we walked to the back of the church, but the applause and thank you from the family and congregation was overwhelming. I was told later, that Mary and Brian stepped into the aisle and applauded as we walked out. Wow! At a time when the Danielson Family is mourning the loss of their Husband, Father, and Son, they so graciously thanked us for the small part that we played that day. What a humbling experience this day truly was.
Our riders again amaze me, as our leadership was about to pass on the word to re-establish the flag-lines, everyone was already starting to re-form the lines. As this was happening, we could see and hear the Air Force planes flying overhead as they staged for their fly-over. Even at several thousand feet, this was an amazing sight to behold. When the planes started their fly-over, everyone’s heads turned to witness this spectacular event. First, there was a four-plane formation, and as they were just about to pass over us, one of the planes kicked in the afterburners and shot nearly straight up. As the thunder roared overhead, we all watched the glow of the afterburners disappear into the atmosphere. This is a site I will never, ever forget. Typically for me, Taps opens up the spigots, but today, things changed at that very moment. Several minutes later, the Navy fly-over with two War-Hogs shot overhead. Again, what a wonderful sight and feeling this was, and yet again, a bit misty.
As the bells of the church rang to announce the completion of the services, everyone stepped up and was ready as the casket and family began their procession outside to the hearse. The Color and Honor Guards snapped to attention in their own honor and respect. As the flag was being folded, a speaker read a great story about Old Glory. Absolutely inspiring. The flag was presented to Mary and another flag was presented to Maj. Danielson’s mother. The crisp snap of the 21-gun salute and the ever-wavering taps followed.
We held our flag-line until the Danielson Family was in their vehicles ready to depart. We hurriedly broke our lines, packed up, and mounted our bikes for the procession back to Kenyon. Again the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Dept. lead our escort back into Kenyon. This escort was much slower, as we had the Flag Bikes at the end of the procession. Once in town, we circled around to meet the family at the VFW for one last walking procession to the Hanson Funeral Home. This was lead by all the Color Guard in Attendance. We quickly parked and headed to form another Honor Line along the 1-block procession.
Once this was complete, I called everyone over for a quick note. I thanked everyone for a job well done, and how the MN PG made an incredible impact on the Danielson Family, POW/MIA and Veterans communities, and the town of Kenyon. Springer thanked me for my efforts, and all I could muster was that it was truly my honor to be a part of one of his brothers coming home.
The VFW invited all the PGR over for refreshments and the best hog roast I have every had. This was a great time to talk with fellow riders, Color and Honor Guard Members, and members of the SAR Mission 38 years prior. What a great way to end the day. I know this will not be the last time I will visit the town of Kenyon, as next time I’m out for a quick ride, Kenyon will be on the route!
Thanks for doing the right thing!
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Craig Ugland
Ride Captain - Rochester Sector
Senior Ride Captain - Southern MN
Just as a soldier can not fight on an empty stomach, neither can they fight with a broken heart feeling that they fight unsupported by those for whom they fight.
"with Freedom and Justice for all." |
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