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SFC John Harvey Holman, Korea MIA, White Bear Lake, MN, 11 JUL 09



Saturday July 11th we had a great turn out to help in honoring SFC John H. Holman to his final resting place after 59 years. The morning started with beautiful sunshine as we headed to the staging area in White Bear Lake. It was great to see so many faces that morning and to talk with as many as we could, but with over 89 bikes and about 3 or 4 cages we numbered over 100 Patriot Guard members so talking to all was difficult. We left the staging area at 0945 and proceeded down Hwy 96 with our impressive motorcade of bikes and even the cars coming the opposite direction had to pull over and take in the view of the rolling thunder that lay ahead of them.

When we arrived at the cemetery we completely encircled the entire area as it was a very small cemetery but I can tell you this, to see all those flags flying snapping in the wind with the sun shining through the tree's sure made my eye's water. The military honor guard marched into place along with a small group of bag pipers as we waited for the family to arrive. The family soon arrived and settled into place under the shelter that was put up for them in front of the final resting place. Twenty minutes passed before the service started as I am sure the family reflected on the life of John H. Holman. The military honor squad stood at parade rest without flinching a muscle, they were like statues waiting to be called to order to honor a fallen comrade.

At 1100am on the button the service began with the honor squad unfolding and refolding the American flag, the shots of the rifle squad and then the playing of Taps which gets to my heart every time. Soon after the bag pipes began with Amazing Grace which just makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up straight, those guys were all so very good. After the flag was presented to SFC John H. Holmans widow by the military we presented the MNPGR plaques to the family. Lorraine commented to me that she didn't think she would live to see this day and that she was so grateful to see John honored like this. As the service ended we stood tall and proud until the family all left the cemetery as we continued to show our respect for this American Hero. I want to thank everyone that was able to make it to this mission as it was truly our honor to help be a part of remembering SFC John H. Holman and to help show his family we will never forget. The family wanted to pass on how grateful they were for us all to be there, I assured her speaking for us all that it was truly our honor to be there for them and to honor SFC John H. Holman.

(@) PGR National Thread

Jeff & Deb Good
NE Metro Ride Captains