John G. Levy, USA Veteran, Shoreview, MN, 04 DEC 09

Winter is surely here. Twelve souls came out this morning to honor the US Army service of John Levy. Snow flurries were blowing around in what the weather man said was a wind chill of two degrees.

As we staged, a parade of cars passed by dropping children off at the elementary school attached to the church. Many young eyes stared at the flags blowing in the wind as they rode by. One woman stopped, and thanked us for what we do. She knew about us and our mission because she has a son in the service. We thanked her and asked to pass on our thanks to her son.

We set up our flag line at the church entrance and posted one flag at the entrance to the parking lot. The family was arriving and told us how much they appreciated our being there. They carried in the ashes and folded flag of the one we came to honor.

A woman came out of the parking lot with a pot of hot coffee and cups, even cream & sugar. She left it there for us after offering a cup to each of us on the flag line. She then took a picture and drove away. A few minutes later another woman pulled up in a humvee. She carried out a large container of coffee from Caribou Coffee with bags of cups, sugar and cream. She thanked us for what we do and drove off. We do have wonderful people in this country. When we left I put a note of thanks from the Patriot Guard on the now mostly emptied containers.

When the funeral Mass started we stood down, went inside the foyer to warm up with the coffee and then dismissed. The family was having a luncheon right after the service and then going out to the cemetery later in the day. The urn was to remain in the church until then. Another veteran was sent home with all the dignity and respect we could give for his service to our country.

(@) Obituary

(@) PGR National Thread

Larry Myslicki “Slick”
NE Metro ARC
MN Patriot Guard Riders