ANOTHER MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER'S FUNERAL
Sgt. 1st Class Clarence McSwain's memorial was on Saturday. He leaves behind a wonderful wife and four small children, with the youngest being only 5 months old. I have been informed that the funeral was actually held in Tennessee on June 17th. My appologies.
There were 105 bikes, 4 cages and 137 Patriot Guard Members plus numerous Laurel residents that helped us show the McSwain family that Clarence McSwain will always be remembered as a true American Hero. Thanks to the VFW for providing us a cool place to relax, cold drinks and donuts to all of the riders before we headed to the church. There were people that came from Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Florida.
There were 105 bikes, 4 cages and 137 Patriot Guard Members plus numerous Laurel residents that helped us show the McSwain family that Clarence McSwain will always be remembered as a true American Hero. Thanks to the VFW for providing us a cool place to relax, cold drinks and donuts to all of the riders before we headed to the church. There were people that came from Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Florida.
The small yellow roped off area that was designated for the Westboro Baptist Church protesters was left empty all day. They say that their flight was canceled...
The only thing that was very disturbing to me was that I did not see the first military person at this funeral. I thought that the military would have been there, but I was wrong. I will definately make some phone calls to try and find out why there were not there. He was just like all the other Mississippi soldiers that have lost their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Don't know why this funeral would have been any different than the others. The mayor of Laurel was one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet, along with his wonderful police force that was so kind to us.
I hope that that we brought some comfort to the McSwain family today. The kindness they showed us will never be forgotten. We could not have ask for a much nicer family. Mrs. McSwain wanted everyone's names and addresses.
The Trike ride was awesome. I told my dad that if I could make money riding on the back on that thing that I would definately change jobs. It was the most relaxing ride. My dad was great. I so enjoyed the ride. The below picture is my dad and his four brothers and my aunt and I.
6 comments:
Thanks for attending the memorial service for SFC McSwain. His funeral was actually held in Clarksville, Tennessee, June 17. It was heavily attended by members of the military, including members of his own unit. He was rendered full military honors, as was his due. Thanks again to you, and to members of the Patriot Guard Riders and others who continue to support our troops, for all you do.
Anonymous, I was not aware that there was a service held in Tennessee on the 17th. My appologies.
I will keep his family in my prayers.
Stacy, I think that is so cool that you and your dad did that together. God Bless.
As a proud fan of our military and a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, I just wanted to tell you that Ilove your blog and keep up the good work!!!
Thnak you, Stacy, and your family, for helping to honor one of our own!
From a fellow PGR. Sgt McSwain's service in June of 2006 was my first mission with the PGR. The pictures show just how many people showed up to pay their respects.
If you like, check out my site. www.schiele.us
I keep logs in my patriotic section for each PGR mission I get the honor to attend. I have a log for Sgt McSwain there. I also have some pictures from 2 of my other missions there.
Keep up the good work.
Kevin Schiele
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