Ride Report posted for John Millier, WWR SC SNJ

I write this report with heavy heart, saddened by the fact that America has lost a Hero.  Three months into his deployment in Afghanistan, 22-year-old USMC LCpl Jeremy Kane was killed when a suicide bomber attacked his unit in Helmand Province.  Jeremy thought it was his duty, as an American, to serve his country.  His father had been a Major in the US Army and his grandfather had also been in the marines.

Warriors Watch Riders accepted a gracious invitation to stand a flag line and provide an escort for this Fallen Warrior.  With the morning temperature being eighteen degrees outside, forty seven motorcycles and perhaps thirty cages of Patriots accepted the call to stand for Jeremy, over one hundred like-minded people in all.  Various bike groups were represented: Nam Knights, Riders of the Lamb, Patriot Guard Riders, Defenders, Leathernecks, Harley Owners Group, Last Patrol, Rolling Thunder, Warriors Watch Riders, and probably one or two I’m forgetting, came together to stand and ride as one.  

We met at Panera Bread in Marlton, just over the border from Cherry Hill.  Panera Bread was kind enough to provide us with a Danish tray and cookies.  Cherry Hill PD came over and, combined with Evesham PD, provided safe passage as we made our way to Congregation M’Kor Shalom.  Once at the synagogue, we formed a flag line and maintained it from just before visitation started at nine o’clock until a memorial service started at eleven o’clock.  Starbucks donated several large containers of coffee and Cherry Hill PD was kind enough to bring it near the flag line so everyone who wanted could help themselves. Under the extreme temperatures, it was greatly appreciated.

Several among us went inside to pay our respects to Jeremy and his family.  When I went inside I happened to run into a couple of people from Cherry Hill I know.  They told me how TOTALLY IMPRESSED they were with what we do.  One guy is a personal friend of the Kane family.  He said how he beamed with pride for Melinda, Jeremy’s mom, seeing the Honor and Respect being paid to her son.

Before the service ended, those in our group in cages, left for the cemetery to set a flag line.  Those remaining set another flag line just outside the synagogue doors, near the hearse, for when Jeremy was brought out.  “Steel Horse Cowboy” called us to order when the casket appeared.  Thank you for that Brother.

Once the procession was lined up we slowly made our way toward Locustwood Cemetery.  We passed by Cherry Hill High School East, of which Jeremy graduated in 2006.  All members of the school stood outside along the curb with hands over their hearts as we rolled by.  As we continued on, virtually every intersection we passed was secured for us by FD or EMS trucks and personnel.  Several people lined the route and either saluted or placed their hand over their heart as the hearse passed by.  Once at Locustwood we passed beneath a large American flag held aloft by two ladder trucks.  

As we pulled into Locustwood we could see the flag line of our brothers and sisters off in the distance.  We parked our bikes and joined them.  The volume of people attending this funeral was a statement as to the kind of person Jeremy was. And to what he stood for.  As we stood in this flag line one couldn’t help but notice the cars just kept coming….for another twenty minutes they came.

When all the family and friends finally gathered together, full military Honors were given and the flag that draped Jeremy’s casket was presented to his mother.  When the guests started to disperse we broke our flag line and quietly made our exit.  I stopped by the car that carried Jeremy’s family and presented WWR Honor coins to his mother, his girlfriend, and each of his two brothers.

Bear with me as there are several people and groups to be thanked: The Kane family for allowing us to share in your grief and loss of a fine man, Cherry Hill PD, FD, EMS, Evesham PD, the various MC’s and riding groups, CHHSE, Starbuck’s, Panera Bread, M’Kor Shalom, and Platt Memorial Chapels.  Sue Quinn, who made the request of us and who took care of all the small stuff that no one else thinks of, but is needed just the same.  And to my brothers and sisters of the WWR, I thank you, for all you do.

Respectfully submitted
John “JohnDelivers” Miller

John Miller
http://www.warriorswatch.org
http://www.gardenstateabate.org

Please click here for more photos on the photo page. All photos by Tom “Boozer” Bietz.