Ride Report posted for Al (Bluesman) Philo

miller

Today was part 2 of a two part mission. Yesterday was the viewing, previously reported.

Today was the funeral of PA State Trooper Joshua Miller, who died of a gonshot wound in the line of duty, Sunday, June 7, 2009.

The Funeral Ceremony was held at the Pittston Area High School Football Stadium, with approximately 10,000 people in attendance. The Funeral Procession was to end at a small town called Laceyville, PA.

Our mission today was to stand in honor, on Main Street, Laceyville, as the Funeral Procession passed. Approximately 30 members of various groups came together today as part of the Warriors’ Watch Riders coalition for this mission. The town of Laceyville was most cooperative and appreciative. We lined two side of Main Street. We had information, from our recon on Wednesday, from reliable sources, concerning the direction the Procession would be entering town, and set accordingly.  Last minute discrepancies today indicated the Procession might be arriving from the opposite direction. Our decision…leave the bikes facing the direction according to our original information, and move on foot to the small road leading to the cemetery. We set our flag line there, as the procession had to pass us, no matter from which direction. As it turned out, our first information was correct. The Procession passed our bikes, in line at one intersection, and our flag line at the next intersection.

Law enforcement representatives went past us from across the nation. Texas, Nevada, Massachusetts. At one point we were told that as the beginning was entering the town, then end was still twenty minutes away.
We felt deeply rewarded for our efforts today. The little indications of recognition fron all of those in the procession…the waves, the nods, the verbal thank you from those passing! The friendliness of the residents who shared their streets with us! But mostly, the feeling that we were doing something right! That we were honoring a fallen Hero, and in doing so, sending a message to his brothers and sisters that we have their backs!

I want to thank all who attended today, but especially those who made the long trip from Southeast PA.  Deeply appreciated, all!

Respectfully Submitted,
Al “Bluesman” Philo
WWR PA State Coordinator, Northeast Region
President, Friends of the Forgotten, Inc.