For the vast majority of our fellow citizens in La Mesa, California, it was most probably an ordinary, average Thursday. Nothing memorable. Simply routine. However, for one family, the day was traumatic, as they laid to rest their husband, father, grandfather.
At the funeral home, the family was joined by volunteers from the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), who came to honor and pay their respects to a veteran, "standing for those who stood for us."
Some of the PGR went ahead to the Miramar National Cemetery, preparing to honor the arrival of their fellow veteran by standing a flag line. Others escorted the procession as it made its way to the cemetery, American flag flying from some of the motorcycles.
At the committal shelter the volunteers, mostly veterans, formed another flag line to honor their brother.
This they did in supporting the family and (in this case) the Navy Honor Guard.
Not one of the PGR volunteers was acquainted with the veteran they were honoring this day. There were no connections; no links to serving on the same ship at the same time. The only shared experience was having served our great nation.
Indeed, it was not a ordinary, routine, or average day for the family. Nor was it an ordinary, routine, or average day for the PGR members. In fact, for this Patriot Guard Rider it was far from it. How can one not be touched by the raw, gut wrenching emotion displayed by a grandson? Hearing his anguished sobs and seeing the obvious pain. The tears of the family members, with their voices catching during comments about their loved one touched us all.
No, it was not an ordinary, average, or routine day.
It was an important day, as strangers voluntarily came together to honor a fellow veteran. As they do countless times during the year. The race, ethnicity, gender, age, cultural, and other socially prominent identifiers used by all too many to separate us matter not to the PGR. The only identifier that matters is that one who is or has served honorably was being laid to rest.
Tomorrow there will be another mission, with another following on Tuesday. And another, then another, and another.
No routine, average, or ordinary days.
Middle of the month. Middle of the week. Early afternoon on a typically sunny day in San Diego. Just another day, with another military funeral. This time at the Miramar National Cemetery, adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The breeze was up, as usual, causing flags to flutter.
Soon the family arrived with their Marine Corps veteran, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). Awaiting them at the Commitment Shelter were the members of the Marine Corps Honor Detail, including a Marine bugler.
At the shelter, as the hearse pulled up, the PGR stood a flag line, coming to Attention and Presenting Arms as the casket was moved into position by the Marines. The pastor spoke eloquently. The family and friends of this departed Marine veteran nodded and offered some, "Amens." His daughter stood and offered her appreciation in a shaky voice, speaking of her "Daddy" and playing song "I Will Always Love You" in his honor.
Military Honors were presented, earned by this Marine by his honorable and faithful service to his nation. All stood while the rifle salute was fired. The veterans and active duty military saluted and and PGR raised their flags to the Present Arms while Taps was played. Eyes welled with tears and it mattered not that some had never met this Marine. One of the PGR leaders explained the symbolism of every element of the military honors, from the 13 folds of the flag, the three rifle volleys, and the playing taps. With the permission of the family, the PGR members offered one last Present Arms. As each member departed, he placed his hand on the casket, offering a final prayer or thought. For me, it was, "Semper Fidelis, brother."
If you had been there and looked around, one aspect should have been obvious. Race and ethnicity do not matter to those who came to help honor this Marine. The Marines resplendent in their Dress Blues were there in a duty status. The older, grayer bikers from the PGR were there as volunteers. An African American Marine Corps veteran was honored by "old white guys" and a Filipino-American on motorcycles, led by an Asian American.
All those there, regardless of race or ethnicity or age, were helping a nation recognize one of its warriors and his race mattered not.
Were that it was the same throughout our society.
