Local SEAL Funeral. . .

[dnar]

Burial for Navy SEAL Lance Vaccaro with full military honors, living members of his SEAL Team, Navy officials, biker veterans, family, friends and 21 gun salute today in Reading, PA. You can read his little story here.

[billamj]

Thanks dnar! RIP Lance Vaccaro.

[fultonCoShooter]

Very Sad!!!

died during parachute training in Arizona

[ChamberedRound]

Nice pics rand, thanks for sharing. I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who serve, and of them those who make the ultimate sacrifice, to defend our liberty. May be RIP.

[dnar]

I've never been to a military funeral before, it was very touching.

[fingers80002]

RIP Brother!

[PisnNapalm]

I posted the orignal Patriot Guard info in this thread. I also just posted my own thoughts a little while ago too.

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/lounge-10...m-vaccaro.html

This was my second mission. SOC Lance Vaccaro was a Navy SEAL who was killed in a parachute training accident. Many members of his SEAL team attended his funeral.

In all my life I have never seen a more intense looking group of men. I can only imagine that it is a look that only combat can give to a man. I don't know. I've never served in the military. All I can do is imagine.

Many of them walked down the flag lines and shook our hands thanking us for being there. I simply nodded to them when I shook their hands. I didn't know how to express my gratitude for them and their friend in the second or two it took to shake a hand. So I just looked them in the eye and gave an affirming nod.

This was the first mission I have attended where we had to travel from the funeral home to the cemetery. My first mission, for Captain Raudenbush, we walked across the road to the cemetery from the church.

The PGR were given the honor of leading the funeral procession from the funeral home to the cemetery. There had to have been atleast 50, maybe more, motorcycles. This was the first time I've ridden in a formation. I know that this is a somber occasion, but the formation ride was one of the coolest things I've ever done. It was absolutely exhilarating.

Local police and Ride Captains both worked to block off intersections and ramps during the 9 mile trip. I only saw one problem where a pick-up truck and a semi cut through the procession to get to an exit ramp on Rt. 422. That was a bit tense because it happened near me in the middle of the pack.

One PGR member was given the task of being the "special flag bearer". The SEAL unit's flag was mounted on his cycle. He rode directly in front of the hearse carrying the cremated remains of SOC Vaccaro. It was symbolic of his unit delivering him to his final resting place.

I just wanted to share this with all of you.

Thanks for reading... Take care.

Thanks for the pictures. I'm the guy in the white helmet in this picture.

[dnar]

I posted the orignal Patriot Guard info in this thread. I also just posted my own thoughts a little while ago too.

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/lounge-10...m-vaccaro.html

Thanks for the pictures. I'm the guy in the white helmet in this picture.

Hey PisnNapalm,

So sorry we missed each other at the funeral. I actually waved at you as you rode by in the funeral procession.

[soberbyker]

Thank You for your service Lance Vaccaro. Rest in Peace.

Reading things like bring to mind a couple of things I got in an email a while back.

It's the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us the freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us the freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the politicians
That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag!

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The! sold ier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.!
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
~Author Unknown~

[PisnNapalm]

Hey PisnNapalm,

So sorry we missed each other at the funeral. I actually waved at you as you rode by in the funeral procession.

Hey! I remember you! I wasn't able to wave back because I needed both hands at that time.