Yesterday was the military funeral for PFC Johnathon Millican in Birmingham, Alabama.  PFC Millican was killed in Karbala, Iraq.  There is more to this story than we know at this time.  One of the PGR Captains called PFC Millican a “Heroes Hero”!  Given time, the story will come out and believe this, PFC Johnathon Millican gave his life for 3 of his friends!

Turnout for this funeral by Patriot Guard Riders paid high honors to this Warrior and his family and friends.

Staging for the mission included at least 130 Bikes with an estimated 200 PGR members.

PGR convoy from the staging area to the funeral home and cemetary

One of the Alabama Ride Captains built a memorial which attaches to the back of his bike. At the base of the memorial are the names of all of the fallen heroes of which he has been in attendence in Alabama. I just thought this was such an awesome tribute.

Patriot Guard Flag Lines

The cemetery has a special section for their Military graves with a wrought iron fence surrounding the area and a monument honoring them in the center. During the graveside services PGR lined the perimeter of this area with flags.

At the end of the service was the releasing of the Doves. This was something I’d never seen before, it was very moving. This is to begin the letting go of your loved one. The trained Doves are released except for one of the Doves. The birds soar into the sky and circle the area waiting for the spirit of the loved one to join them. When the single Dove or loved one’s spirit is released to join them, then they all together make their spiritual flight home.

I was able to catch the flock circling and then the release of the spirit of PFC Millican flying to join his spiritual family and brothers.

Additional note from the Alabama Ride Captain posted at PGR:

Now for the rest of the story. Today, CJ and I received a call from Mitchell Millican, Father of Johnathon. He asked if CJ and I could meet him half way between Birmingham and Anniston. So we met in Lincoln. Didn’t know what he wanted because he didn’t say so during the call. Wasn’t worried about a complaint or anything because during the call, he couldn’t thank the Patriot Guard Riders that attended the mission yesterday enough. We honestly helped the grieving family and I was proud for all of you who helped the family. So, we met the whole family and talked for awhile. Mitchell and family then told me that had something for me but that I had to promise to keep it and give it back only when I was through with it. The Millican’s handed me a little blue box. I new at once exactly what it was before I opened it and said so! Then I slowly opened the box which revealed Johnathon’s Purple Heart. Mr. Millican asked me to wear it on my vest for Johnathon and that when I was ready to return it, please do so with it covered in bugs. He presented it to me for the riders that honored his hero. But the medal is for ALL of the members of PGR. I’ll have a name plate made up stating something like:

I ride in Honor of PFC Johnathon M. Millican who received this award posthumously while fighting the “War of Terrorism” and wear it on my left shoulder. Mr. Millican stated that Johnathon would want this medal worn at other Fallen Hero’s missions.

Those of you that know me, know that I’m never at a loss of words but I was extremely choked up and humbled beyond belief. This is a wonderful family who became members of PGR and will do anything for the PGR that stood in honor of their Fallen Hero. Please thank them on the thread for the two sacrafices that they had to make, Johnathon and Johnathon’s Purple Heart. I’ll wear it to all missions and will share it with all of you.

Technorati Tags: PFC Johnathon Millican, Patriot Guard Riders, Support The Troops, Someone You Should Know

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