Patriot Guard honors SSgt Michael Garcia, killed in action (Photos)

SSgt Michael Garcia of Bossier City was killed in action in Logar Province, Afghanistan, July 4th. Today the Patriot Guard lined Jordan Street in a show of support to the family and gratitude for Garcia's sacrifice to his country. Against the backdrop of St. John Berchman Cathedral, the Patriot Guard formed a flag line in a show of respect and honor, as sweat rolled down the faces of young and old alike mixed with salty tears.

Many dignitaries, including Cedric Glover, the mayor of Shreveport, were present and the media made an impressive showing; at least two stations streamed the funeral services live.

After the funeral, people poured out of the church to a sea of red white and blue as Old glory waved grandly along Jordan Street. Military honors were given with a bugle call to "Taps" and a 21 gun salute. The smell of gunsmoke permeated the air as family and friends gathered under a canopy providing shade from the relentless Louisiana heat. The flag that had draped Garcia's casket was presented to the family, as well as medals awarded posthumously. "The important to budget travel is to plan in advance. When it comes to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the reality of expense and budgeting is always in the back of our mind. Considering and expending our travel budget wisely is a main concern for most families. Curbing expending and prices, while still delighting your vacation to its fullest, is the key to guaranteed accomplishment and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The reasoning regarding protecting money while vacationing is simple: Even if your personal funds is highly tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also remembering that while traveling, no matter whether on a resources or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel costs!..".

Over 70 motorcycles formed a procession from St. John Berchman Cathedral in Shreveport to Boone Funeral Home on Airline Drive in Bossier City, escorted by police motorcyclists from Shreveport, Webster, and Bossier Parishes, and Louisiana State Troopers, to name a few. Vehicles pulled over and many citizens exited their vehicles to stand at attention and salute the limousine carrying the remains of SSgt Garcia.

The local organizers from the Patriot Guard did a wonderful job keeping citizens in the flag line hydrated by walking the flag line with bottled water and offering relief for those who needed a break from the line. Hats off to all those who worked so hard to put together this mission for SSgt Garcia and his family!

Anyone can join in Patriot Guard missions. The only prerequisite is RESPECT. You do not have to ride a motorcycle to join in, and the flag line is open to all who wish to participate. For more information, and to sign up for mission notifications, visit the Patriot Guard official website.

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Contact Mary Baker, a.k.a. Pinky at maric12@gmail.com

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