Wow........what a mission! Thank you so much to everyone who attended this mission, you helped make it one of the best missions we have done here. We had members from Duluth, Bemidji, Shakopee, Grand Rapids, Isanti, Cottage Grove,and New Hope

Our mission started under blue skies with big puffy clouds, and a small breeze to keep it from being too hot. We met in the parking lot of the Walmart in Baxter. We had 25 bikes and 35 people (A few more showed up later).

We left the parking lot and rode the short distance to the church and set up the flagline. The church had a circular area and it was perfect for 6 PG members to stand in. We had people manning both sets of doors on 2 sides of the church.

Susanne, Terry's sister, came around and thanked every one and was so grateful. Her parents arrived and I presented them with a flag and the booklet I printed out of the condolences on the National site. They videotaped the whole funeral because Terry's son could not be there. I asked the flag and booklet be sent to his son. Many comments came our way of how beautiful it looked with all the flags in the breeze. A number of them said Terry would have loved it.

After the funeral started, we stood down and those not on the escort went ahead to the cemetery to get the flagline set up there. About 10 minutes before the funeral ended the funeral director came out and told us they would be coming out. We set the escort flagline around the back of the hearse. We stood at attention, some saluted or had their hands over their hearts, and I think there were others besides me who dropped a tear or two. I think we all wear big sunglasses for a reason. Right before they came out of the church it had started to sprinkle, just one big black cloud, then it was gone. No one got wet though.

I had called the Brainerd police this morning and asked for an escort to the cemetery and right at 2:45 two LEO's came to lead us. I was very grateful for that as Brainerd can be difficult to get through so a huge thank you to the Brainerd/Baxter LEO's!!! They took us all the way into the cemetery.

One of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen was the circular flagline at the cemetery. (Thank you Bill!) It looked like they were guarding the area for Terry. The honor guard was there and the flagline was an extension of their line. After everyone arrived, the pastor did the service, then the honor guard fired the guns and one played the taps. Even in the beautiful breeze, the taps echoed. I think it is the taps that brings all emotionally connected to one another.

When the service was over, one of the gentleman from the family came around and shook everyones hand. Then Terry's little mama, in her high heels, came all the way around the flagline. She came back to me and Tim and told us we didn't know how much it meant to them. She patted Terry's casket as she walked away, like a Mom would pat her baby. Heartbreaking, yet poignantly appropriate. We stayed in our circle until the last car had made it out to the highway, then we stood down.

My bike wouldn't start so we gave it a push. Something with the battery connection. There was a lot of good natured teasing about that! We went to Chopper's restaurant and had a post mission gathering and a toast to Terry. May he rest in peace.

Starr Marshall
Brainerd Sector RC
MN Patriot Guard Riders