After Action Report- 100 Flags: Funeral service of Sergeant Ian Anderson Friday, January 26

[Armorer's note: This post is from Denizenne Kat, who attended the funeral.]

It was extremely cold Friday morning. It would have been warmer except the wind kept the wind chill to about 20 degrees. The Patriot Guard Riders met as planned at Home Depot to prepare for the mission. Soldier's Angels provided coffee and doughnuts to the frozen riders.

Some observations, besides the weather:

Not everyone in the Patriot Guard are veterans, though, on a quick scan, I would say they make up half or more of the "riders". Secondly, not everyone rides a bike, though that was the predominant mode of transportation. Many people showed up in "cages" (cars). I drove the car down. Third, if you have never ridden a motorcycle in any temperature below fifty degrees, you may not appreciate the kind of dedication that it takes to ride in the middle of January.

Over 70 motorcycles made the ride Friday. Wednesday night, the Patriot Riders had escorted Sergeant Anderson from KCI airport to the funeral home (video)

I read the jackets as we passed out coffee. Patriot Guard Riders came from as far away as Medicine Lodge and Liberal, Kansas. As I handed out the coffee, the pin on one jacket caught my attention. The gentleman wearing it was about 30 or so. Young compared to most of the "vets" there. I glanced at it again and realized it was a "CIB" or combat infantry badge. The back of his jacket read "Iraqi Freedom Vet" and other patches from the Big Red One, 4th Infantry and 1stArmored among six total that decorated his jacket (thank you John and all the military guys at the Castle for the education that allowed me to name them).

Later, I saw several other young men with "vet" patches and hats. The next generation of vets are already standing up.

The Ride Captain pulled out the bullhorn and circled up the troops. He said a prayer asking that the "other drivers" have their "eyes open" as we performed the task. Then he reminded everyone why they were there and the expectations of the PGR:

1) No interaction with protesters
2) No comments to them
3) No rude gestures
4) No physical contact

Our job was to simply be there and act as a barrier while providing support to the family.

We started out right at 9 AM and drove the short distance to the Church where the final service was being held. With no police escort or flashing lights indicating "funeral procession", it was a challenge to get 70 bikes and some 20 to 30 cars together at the Church.

The rude folks from Topeka did show up, but they were pretty far from the church all things considered. One of the PGR members told me that it was mostly "kids" (teenagers) that showed up at the protests with one or two adults. That was exactly what showed here. In reality, they were a non-factor really. Most of the people came in from the back and couldn't
see them anyway. Over 100 flags encircled the church and channel 9 covered the event again. Then it was time to escort Sergeant Anderson to his final resting place.

Again, over 70 motorcycles roared to life. With the additional cars, limos, hearse and two police escorts, the procession was at least five city blocks (appx. 1 mile). Flags were streaming as the procession passed. It was an awesome sight.

I have to give a big kudos to the people we passed. Everywhere you looked the cars were stopped. Some pulled to the side of the road and many just stopped where they were. I'm talking about everywhere, not just when the escort blocked an intersection. They stayed stopped until our procession when completely by. Even though that's proper "road etiquette" when approaching a funeral, that doesn't usually happen accept at intersections.

Whatever the reason for the courtesy, I can safely say that hundreds (if not thousands) of motorists were made aware that a soldier had come home Friday.

Second to the escort to the cemetery, the most impressive sight were the 100 flags that surrounded the funeral tent and lined the short drive. I believe the people and flags probably blocked 80% of the wind and 100% of the view from passers-by. The cemetery was pretty open and close to the road. Cars were slowing as they passed. The wind whipping the flags around was so loud you couldn't hear the chaplain.

Two buglers echoed taps. There's nothing more beautiful than taps echoing. The VFW buglers performed fantastically. Veterans saluted and civilians covered their hearts. The honor guard let loose with three volleys. Then the flag ceremony. Three flags were presented to the family. The troops acquitted themselves well considering the cold and wind.

Finally, when the ceremony was over, the family and friends began to leave. The PGR, through no command or previous direction, stayed in position until Sgt Anderson's wife and immediate family had been escorted back to the limos.

Really, these pictures and dispassionate recital cannot begin to express how much pride I felt watching the reaction of the people around us or my pride in being part of this activity to support the family and show them that we honored their soldier's service.

Additional Mission Photos can be found here and here (this set has photos that really show the length of the procession and the rest of the ceremonies)

100 Flags

I was standing in a cemetery
One hundred flags flying o'er me
Taps echoed in the wind
As the buglers played a final hymn

Men saluted as his widow cried
A captain knelt down by her side
Drew close and whispered in her ear
As the young wife dried her tears

On behalf of a grateful nation
Please accept this flag and citation
Thank you for your sacrifice
Freedom called and he paid the price

I listened to the words he had to say
I was proud to be a part
Of this ordinary day

(excerpt from poem by k.e.henry)

Welcome home, soldier.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.