Leo Stucci, USA WWII Veteran, St Paul, MN, 26 OCT 09

We lost another member of our Greatest Generation. Leo Stucci was an Italian immigrant who was proud to serve his new country. He was a World War II Army veteran serving in New Guinea and Germany.

We honored him today by standing our flag line on St. Paul’s “East Side”. In one of the old neighborhoods. Seventeen Patriot Guard members were joined by five American Patriot Riders who rode over from Wisconsin. Their president, Rocci Stucci, is Leo’s grandson.

As we set up our flag line in front of the old Catholic church the morning mass was just letting out. Then, one of those moments that make you both proud and humble happened. An older gentleman came out of the church and stopped in his tracks when he saw our flags. He turned and saluted us before heading to his car. The patriotism and dignity displayed by our older WWII generation always leaves me in deep respect for this generation of Americans.

We held our flag line until the service got under way. The family graciously had invited us downstairs of the church for coffee and warmth. We took our break there before departing for the cemetery a few miles away. The American Patriot Riders did the flag line honors at the church after the service as we set up our flag line at the cemetery. The procession arrived with the APR motorcycles doing escort riding through our two lines of flags. The Vietnam Veterans of America did the military honors. These guys do a great job as they explain to those attending the history and meaning behind the rifle volleys’ and the playing of Taps.

Leo’s three sons all served in the military with one a Vietnam Vet. They found it hard to express their feelings as they thanked us for being there to honor their father. I like to think we also honored these veterans this day.

(@) PGR National Thread

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