Army SPC Benjamin Moore was killed by an IED in Afghanistan and his parents asked us to escort his casket during it’s transfer from Dover AFB to the funeral home in Bordentown NJ.  We were honored that we were requested and began planning the escort. 
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“The procession of  public safety vehicles, led by a string of motorcycles manned by old soldiers, arrived at the Bordentown ramp off I-295 shortly before 10:30 a.m.” – The Trentonian
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The Bordentown Police, along with several pieces of Fire Department equipment, offered to take the family to Dover AFB to receive their son from the Military Mortuary for burial at home in Bordentown.  We decided to meet them in Dover and escort them home.  We requested that the DE State police lead the escort to the NJ state line.  They agreed but limited us to 4 bikes in the procession.  The NJ State police had no such limit.  It was decided that all of the remaining riders that wished to be a part of the escort would join it, in route, just over the NJ state line.
 
It was a cold morning and the 4 riders had to be in Dover by 0730 so we were up and out at o’dark thirty.  The ride to Dover was uneventful and not nearly as cold as you might think.  The thought of this young heroes sacrifice helped keep us warm.  We met up with the Bordentown procession just outside the Main Gate of Dover AFB.  There we waited, with the family and Bordentown officials, for the hearse to join us.  We were honored to get a chance to greet the family of this American Hero and express our condolences.  And, as is all too common, they spent most of the time with us thanking us for what we do.  What kind of a country can produce families such as this.  This family has lost their son only a week or so before and they have the grace and kindness to express their appreciation for our meager salute to their son and his family.  Only this great country can produce families with such dignity, honor and commitment as they displayed.  It makes one feel an immense sense of pride to be in the presence of such patriots and to know they are Americans.
 
We staged our part of the procession in the parking lot and were shortly joined by the hearse bearing our hero.  We all pulled out in good order and began our 107 mile journey north to Bordentown NJ.
 
As we started down the NJ side of the Delaware Memorial bridge, we could see bikes, NJ State Police and cages formed up on the left side of the highway waiting for us to pass.  As we passed, the bikes merged into the procession on the fly as did the other cages and a NJ State Police car in front and one in the tail gunner position.  Our procession had grown a bit.
 
And then, the most amazing thing came into view.  Off in the distance, at the first overpass we encountered, was a sea of flashing lights.  As we got closer, we could see there were many fire trucks lined across the bridge with 2 ladders extended hanging the American flag.  As we got even closer, we could see the crews of these fire departments standing shoulder to shoulder on top of the trucks.  As we approached, they all came to attention and rendered a hand salute while we passed underneath.  I’m sure there was not a dry eye in the procession.  But even more amazing than that was that this sight greeted us at almost every overpass for over 50 miles.  As we passed through a long straight away with no overpasses, we saw a single car, coming the opposite direction, pulled over on the left shoulder and a gentleman standing in front of it at attention with a crisp salute.  It seemed like the entire state of New Jersey was mourning the passing of this young hero and decided to come out and show his family what his sacrifice meant the them.  I had chills for 50 miles but not because of the temperature.  It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  We can only imagine what the family was feeling.  And we are very proud of New Jersey, they know what this is all about.
 

As we exited the interstate at Bordentown, the streets were lined with people with their hands over their hearts or saluting.  They were holding flags and banners honoring this American hero.  For the last 100 yards before the funeral home, both sides of the street were lined with bumper to bumper fire trucks and another flag arch at the turn into the funeral home.  As we pulled into the funeral home, we were met with the site of 20 or so soldiers in formation at attention awaiting the arrival of the hearse.  We passed by them and parked off to the side to make room for the entire procession.  We dismounted to render honors as the honor guard moved the casket from the hearse to the funeral home.  After everything settled down outside, I went in to find Benjamin’s Dad and give him our Honor Coin.  Even in his grief, he was gracious and appreciative of our efforts.  This family makes you proud to be an American.
 
We must take a moment and thank the Bordentown Police and Fire departments for all of their help in setting up this escort.  The NJ State Police did a fine job of insuring our safety……as always.  To the many, many fire departments that came out to honor this American Hero, your show of respect and gratitude was spectacular and deeply appreciated by all who witnessed it.  To those members of the WWR who participated in this event, thank you for your commitment to the American Military.  A special thanks to Vance, Tug and ED for making the very early morning run to Dover without thought to the time, the temperature or the ice.  You guys are the best.
 
To the Moore family, thank you for allowing us the honor and privilege of helping you bring your son home.  Please know that his service and sacrifice will not be forgotten and he will be forever remembered in our hearts. 
 
Stand down SPC. Moore, your watch is over.  Gods Speed.
 
With Respect,
 
Bobcat