Patriot Guard Aims For Long Line Honoring Troops (MN)

WCCO.com ^ | 9/19/09 | AP

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

There should be U.S. flags as far as the eye can see at Minnesota's Camp Ripley on Sunday.

The Minnesota Patriot Guard says it's aiming for the longest known flag line in honor of military veterans during the base's open house.

Flag lines are formed by people holding flags on poles a set distance apart. They are sometimes seen at soldier funerals to provide a buffer between those grieving and protesters.

Patriot Guard members, many of whom ride motorcycles, are hoping for at least 2,000 participants.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

It's supposed to be a beautful day tomorrow......

[MozartLover]

They did this at my son’s sendoff in Madison back in February, when 3200 WI National Guard soldiers were honored as they prepared to deploy to Iraq. On that cold day they were lined up all along the sidewalks leading to the entrances to the arena, with their flags. I was too choked up at the sight to say anything but on the way out after the ceremony I held it together long enough to say “thank you” to a few of them. When they said “it’s an honor” I started bawling again.

[ConorMacNessa]

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

These are very special folks.....

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

If any of the local media dovers this tomorrow, I’ll post an update here.

I’ll ping you, if you like...

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

dovers=covers.....

Sheesh...

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks, BTLD - I'd like to see it.

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[MozartLover]

Please do.

Camp Ripley is near St. Cloud, right?

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

North of St. Cloud....south of Brainerd.

[Fireone]

“These are very special folks.....”

Yes they are!

[MozartLover]

Brainerd! That brings back memories.:) We had relatives there and used to visit once a year.

I grew up just west of Mpls. (in Golden Valley). Mom was from Hamel, Dad grew up in St. Martin. My two brothers are Johnnies and my sister-in-law is a Benny.

Anyway, yes, I would appreciate a ping.:)

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Will do. Drove by Hamel yesterday afternoon on the way to a gun shop in Maple Lake.....

[Dov in Houston]

Go to

http://www.patriotguard.org/

And browse a bit

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

A short story with some video from the event.......

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1148628.shtml?cat=1

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks very much!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[Johnny Gage]

Oooh Ray for the Patriot Guard.

These guys are awesome. I have a co-worker who attended this, and said it was excellent.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Thanks for checking in, Johnny....

I see the PGR’s around and always give them the big thumbs up and a salute.

We’re all in this together......