The Patriot Guard has been invited by family members to stand watch for the memorial service for National Guard member Specialist Rebecca "Becky" Hall, age 23, on Sat. Jan 27, in Marshall, Mn.

Specialist Hall passed away as the result of a car accident on Sunday, Jan 21, in South Dakota.  The funeral is scheduled for 10:30 am Saturday Jan. 27, at First Lutheran Church, 100 Church Street, Marshall, Mn.  Our mission is requested for the funeral services only. Internment services will be later that day in a neighboring town.

 

Ms. Hall was also a motorcyclist, enjoying her Honda Shadow, and an active member of the Buffalo Ridge Chapter of ABATE of Minnesota.

 

Final Itinerary:

 

Staging Information: 8:45 - 9:15 am Saturday morning.   We will stage in the Holy Redeemer School parking lot, on South Whitney Street, off West College Drive, which is Hwy 19 that passes through Marshall.  Coming from the west edge of town, at the major intersection of Hwy 23 and Hwy 19, proceed into Marshall on West College Drive to the third traffic light, and turn left (south) onto South Whitney Street, which will take you right into the parking lot of Holy Redeemer School.   Holy Redeemer School has graciously allowed the PGR use of their parking lot, and restroom facilities.  There will be a basketball tournament conducted that morning, and we have been asked to park closest to the entrance to the parking lot.

 

Mission briefing no later than 9:15 am., after which we will walk two blocks to the church, establish the flag line, and await the arrival of the family at approx. 9:30 am.  After the family's arrival, we will need to separate into two groups, to cover both main entrances to the church.

 

The service is at 10:30 am, and is expected to be large.  We will have access to a warming area and restrooms, and probably hot coffee from the church ladies.  For those who would like to listen to the service while warming up, there is a room available with a speaker system that we may use.  After the funeral service, the casket will remain inside the church, while the luncheon is served.  It is anticipated that at approx. 1:00 pm the casket will be transferred to the hearse, and the family and friends will leave for the cemetary about 30 miles away, in Canby, Mn.  At this point our mission will end.  Final military rites will be conducted at the cemetary. 

 

For those interested, I have secured a place to 'meet and greet' after our mission, food and drink available. This information will be given out at the mission briefing, along with taking a head count of those wishing to attend.

 

As usual, bring your 3 x 5 flags and be self-sufficient.  The forecast is for a high of just 15 degrees, so dress appropriately.

 

For those needed motels, there are several in town, but several school and college activities are taking place this weekend, and rooms are scarce.  At this point in time, the AmericInn has a few available, and will discount to PGR members.  Please ask for the 'grievance' discount.  Their number is 507-537-9424 ..   I will check with other lodging in town and post info in the thread.