It was about 44 degrees, and misting but calm, when we left our staging area Saturday morning. Five Bikes, and five cages, with a total of 12 MNPG Members, stood the Flag line for Eugene Tester, and his Family. The rain and temp gradually worsened throughout the day, to 36 degrees, and a fairly heavy rain with a strong NW wind.

The "why" of what we do, was expressed by Mrs. Tester (Wife), as she got out of the van she and her Family was riding in. With her face in her hands and tears in her eyes, being held by her son, she said how wonderful this was, that we were there. We all know what it meant to her and her Family, to have us there to show the Honor and Respect that her Veteran Husband deserved. I couldn't see anyone else's reaction at the time, only because I wasn't seeing so well right then.

The MNPG stood the Flag line for the Visitation and Service, from 11:15 until 1:30, then the Cagers held it until the procession had left. We had five Bikes give about a 2 mile escort to the Cemetery, where we set up the Flag line by the Grave site again. We got many hand shakes and heartfelt thank you's from the Family and Friend's.

We were invited to come back to the Church for refreshments afterwards, and respectfully declined, stating that that was Family and Friend's time.

Thanks Crash, for requesting our presents.

Thank You ALL for what you do,
Dave.

Dave W. added:

We had six brave souls ride to BT3 Gene Tester's Mission in Fergus Falls yesterday. Chickens like myself caged it. When Gene's wife got out of the van to enter the church, she broke down in tears but they were good ones. I heard her comment to family members how wonderful it was that we were there even in the rain and "we have to get a picture" was part of the comment. Twelve stood in the drizzle for over 2 hours. Strangers on Iron Horses do mean a lot to the families of those for whom we stand in Honor, Dignity and Respect, even in the worst weather conditions.

(@) PGR National Thread

Thanks Crash, for requesting our presents.

Thank You ALL for what you do,
Dave.