Southern California
26 March 2016
By rough counts, 280 bikers (many, if not most of them veterans) came together to escort fallen Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Louis Cardin home from his arrival at March Air Reserve Base today. In a first, the hundreds of bikes were permitted to enter the base for this special mission.
As the procession made its way south on I-215 from the base to Route 74, it was so massive that law enforcement essentially shut down a long stretch of the freeway, before it turned east towards the small town of Hemet. As we rolled down I-215, each and every overpass was crowded with American flags, countless people, and even a few firetrucks and first-responders. Some people in the vehicles heading north on the opposite side of the freeway had pulled off, with many standing and saluting the procession.
Continuing to roll through the small towns on Route 74, hundreds and hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects. American flags were plentiful, with people noted for standing at attention, saluting, or placing their hands over their hearts in tribute to this fallen Marine.
Old and young, men and women, children and grandparents. These real Americans took time today to stand in the sun in a display of condolence. They halted their cars along the road in both directions. No one complained about the momentary disruption on a Saturday afternoon.
No matter what politicians and others may say, middle America...small town America...is real and very patriotic. These communities recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of their soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.
The first-responders came out in force, from beginning to end. As we rolled, law enforcement and fire departments helped stop and direct traffic, as they too honored Staff Sergeant Cardin.
Talking to one local resident after Staff Sergeant Cardin was safely delivered to the destination, I was told the procession "seemed to go on and on." Funny, though, some were highly conspicuous by their absence. I did not see one elected official in the procession.
I did see ordinary people. I did see men, women, and children. I did see veterans, young and old. I did see soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. I did see the Air Force Security Police saluting as we rolled by. I did see riders of all races. I did see the Patriot Guard Riders. I did see the American Legion Riders. I did see the VFW Riders. I did see many military themed biker groups. I did see flags flying from bikes. I did see the Marine Corps Honor Guard. I did see somber members of the community paying their respects to a fallen Marine.
I did see the real America.
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