 Still Serving the
Military Community and their Families
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On October 16th, 2006 the Florida Patriot Guard gathered with the Patriot Guard Riders to honor the memory of Spc. Timothy R. Burke, United States Army and to support his family. The scene was Hollywood, Florida. Again, Publix Supermarket provided space for the assembly. Riders from both the east and west coasts were present on this hot and sunny morning. Talk was exchanged as the riders renewed acquaintances with old friends and made the new riders feel welcome. |
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As departure time drew near Patriot, Ride Captain with the Florida Patriot Guard, held a joint briefing with Old Jumper and Old Cop, his counterparts with the Patriot Guard Riders. The riders were reminded of the safety issues. The formation to the church would be the usual staggered ride. There was to be no escort, so a high level of alertness was called for. The ride was short and completed without incident, a tribute to the skills of the riders. Shortly after arriving at Little Flower Catholic Church a flag line was established to honor the arriving family and friends. |
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The Hollywood Fire Department was present and had placed a flag on the bucket of one of their ladder trucks. The Hollywood Police Department’s Motorcycle Unit provided an escort for the family from the funeral home. An Honor Guard from the United States Army served as pall bearers. As they carried the casket of the Fallen Hero into the church the haunting sounds of the Hollywood Police Department’s Bagpipes and Drum unit accompanied them. After all were inside the church the Ride Captains, for health reasons, moved the flag line out of the sun and into the shade provided by the covered walkway in front of the church. |
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As services concluded a flag ceremony was performed. The sounds
of Taps could be heard outside. The Army Color Guard honored
their fallen comrade with a 21 gun salute in the church courtyard.
That was the signal to reform the flag line. The casket was lead, from the church to the hearse, by the Pipers and Drum unit. After the casket was safely in the hearse, the pipers and drum departed the scene, their sound gradually fading. A word of sincere thanks, to all those assembled, was given by a family spokesperson. The hearse and the family then left the church. There was no Burial Service that day. All the riders present said their goodbyes to their friends and began to disperse, aware that they would all meet again. Rest in peace, Spc. Timothy R. Burke. Your service to your Country will long be remembered. You are a true American Hero. Photos and narrative provided by Tom and Jan of the §tär§híþ Ambulance. |
| © 2006 Florida Patriot Riders | Last updated:Monday, October 23, 2006 17:56:23 PM |