Honor Mission: Robert Aitkin, 62, Vietnam Vet, Shoreview, MN, 5 MAR 09

Twenty two Patriot Guard Riders attended the funeral service for Robert Aitkin, Vietnam veteran Marine and Army Reservist. Our flag line was set up as the hearse arrived carrying this fallen Marine and soldier, as his death of cancer was the result of exposure to Agent Orange. All honor and respect was given him by us as they carried him into the church.

His wife LeeAnn and son Dan, also a Marine vet and Iraqi war vet, expressed there gratefulness and appreciation for us being there. I told them that it was we who were privileged and honored to be invited. I happened to be inside as the Native American ceremony of smoke, drum and eagle feather was conducted as Robert and family entered the church service. I was very touched and honored to be in their presence and glad I had my sunglasses on as I conveyed the experience to our group as we stood down during the funeral Mass.

The schedule was for a luncheon at the church hall before the procession to the cemetery. As there was another funeral at the church, the hearse had to move out and park in the lot. This presented us an opportunity to show our final respect and honor to this man for his service and sacrifice to our country, and for the sacrifice of his family in their loss.

As we were not going to attend the burial at the cemetery, we did a symbolic escort of the hearse after Robert’s coffin was placed back into it after the funeral service. As family and friends gathered outside the church, we formed two lines on either side of the hearse and slowly walked alongside, flags flying, as it left the church parking lot. When it turned onto the street we stopped, faced the hearse and saluted. The hearse then pulled back into the parking lot by another entrance. A comment was made by Joe Egan that it would have been such a lonely sight to see that hearse drive away alone had we not done this. I thank all members present for their show of respect that day.

The family insisted, more than a couple of times, that we attend the luncheon with them. I tried to gratefully decline, but Robert’s wife LeeAnn told me that we, the Patriot Guard, are now friends, and we should be there. All but two who had to leave for jobs, went inside for lunch. The family also presented us with a beautiful card about the joy of people giving of themselves. Inside was a very generous donation to the Patriot Guard of $150. Again I told LeeAnn this was not necessary, but she insisted.

It WAS an honor and privilege to be there for this family and show our respect for this veteran, Robert Aitkin.

(@) PGR National Thread

Larry "Slick" Myslicki NE Metro ARC MN Patriot Guard Rider