Memorial
Mission
Report
 

Juneau Commemoration Mission, 19 FEB 09

We had almost 40 Patriot Guard members attending on Thursday Feb 19th to help the family honor Bill Juneau as they received an award from the State Dept. The flagline was very impressive and proud and for those of you there, you know how proud that made the family feel to be an American. We all moved inside at the commencing of the ceremony and formed a flagline surrounding the room and the family with a sea of red, white and blue. The colors were posted and we said our pledge of allegiance to our flag. The speakers were the Police chief of St. James, members of the State Department, Dyncorp and the Mayor of Ham Lake, all did a fantastic job.

Before the ceremony started Mike Warren asked me to speak about the Patriot Guard and about Bill as part of the program, which of course how could I say no. When it was my turn to speak and having such short notice as it was, I did my best to speak from the heart. I spoke and told the group that Mr. Warren wanted me to say a few words about the Patriot Guard, and I said, it's not about us. Were just a group of Patriots that enjoy and appreciate the freedoms that our American men and women who serve our country have given us and for those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. I shared the story on how the Patriot Guard was asked to pull Bill's bike in the funeral in his honor and how on that day I know Bill was riding on that bike with a big smile. On this special day it was meaningful because it was also Bill's and his twin sister Bridgett's birthday, I wished them both birthday wishes.

After the ceremony the family requested pictures including the MNPGR and of course they insisted that we stay awhile and have some food with them. Mike Warren from Dyncorp told me that they have unfortunately done a few of these ceremonies and this was by far the best show of community support they have seen. It was so nice to spend time with both members and the Juneau family afterwards. I really want to thank all of you that made the mission on Thursday because as I said without you guys and gals we are nothing and it does make the difference. Special thanks to the Brainard guys Jim and Flash for making it down, to the Wisconsin man who made it over, sorry bad on names, and to the first time attendee Larry. Again, you all make the difference to these famlies so keep doing the right thing!!

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Jeff & Deb Good
NE Metro Ride Captains