Harold E. Kangas, 72, passed away at his home on 14 Aug 08. He served in the United States Air Force from 1958 - 1962,

On 19 Aug 09, the MN PGR were honored to pay respects to this veteran and his family at the Funeral Service at the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN.

Ten PGR were in attendance to stand the flag line from several sectors. After the mission briefing, flag line was formed at 9:30 for the arrival of family and visitation prior to the 11:00 a.m. service. Flag line stood down after the service started until 12:40 and reformed for preparation and movement to the cemetary. 2 PGR on bikes with flags escorted Mr. Kangas to the cemetary a few city blocks away, while the remaining PGR had gone on ahead to form a flag line at the cemetary. After the family departed the cemetary, mission was complete.

Mr. Kangas' loving wife of 52 years, Bonnie, with tears in her eyes, thanked each PGR member for being there to honor her husband. Son-in-law Gary also came out and thanked each of us for being there and said that seeing the flags brought back such wonderful memories and that his father-in-law would have been so proud to know that the PGR was there.

Thank you to Ken Phillips and James Parent for their help in today's mission, and to Rod from the Brenny Funeral Home. Thank you to the Menahga VFW Post for providing military colors, rifle salute and taps, Also a big thank you to all who were able to attend this mission on short notice. --

(@) National Thread

Karla Richardson
Ride Captain, Detroit Lakes Sector
Minnesota Patriot Guard