 Still Serving the
Military Community and their Families
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The little town of Leesburg, in west central Florida, was awakened to the roar of motorcycles the morning of October 30, 2006. Patriotic Americans were gathering to be present at the final services for a hero, of generations past. They had come to stand, in respect, for David Holbrook and to support his family. |
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Mr. Holbrook was a decorated Army Air Force veteran, who fought in the skies of Europe, to preserve freedom for the world. The riders had arrived at the staging area early so they could partake of a bit of breakfast and to renew acquaintances with old friends and welcome several new friends. They thanked the Taste Tempter Pancake Inn for their hospitality. |
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At the appointed time a safety meeting was held to be sure that everybody knew what was to take place. Old Jumper and Ranger75, Ride Captains for this Mission, pointed out that there was no Law Enforcement available for an escort and cautioned all the riders to be very alert. They carefully traced out the route that would be taken so that all the riders knew what to expect. |
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After the meeting all the riders saddled up and form up for the ride to the First Presbyterian Church of Leesburg. The ride was short and uneventful. Road guards covered the two most potentially dangerous spots, two left turns across traffic. Shortly after the flags had been unfurled in the church entryway the guests of the family began arriving. Many expressed thanks to the riders for their attendance. Mrs. Holbrook arrived at the appointed hour and the services began. During the service the riders quietly stood holding their flags in an “at-ease” position. Respectfully hushed conversations filled the hour of waiting. |
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When the organ played inside the church it was time for the
riders to re-form the flag lines. It was a very saddened group
that watched the wife and family of this hero pass by. Some of
the mourners offered a hand, others whispered a “thank you”. After all the family and guests had retired to the church hall the ride Captains thanked the riders for being there and cautioned them to be safe on the way back to where ever they had come from. The riders soon had said their goodbyes and after checking their bikes departed. They all left with the knowledge of what Mr. Holbrook had done for them. That his sacrifices during a time of war before some of the riders were born had preserved the freedoms they all now enjoyed. They also knew that the Winds of War would cause them to gather again in the near future. Godspeed Mr. Holbrook. Thank you for your service. Special thanks to
Tom and Jan of the StarShip Ambulance for the narrative and photos for
this mission.
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| © 2006 Florida Patriot Riders | Last updated:Saturday, October 31, 2006 17:50:27 PM |