I had the distinct honor and priviledge of representing American Legion Post 104 and the Legion Riders at the funeral of SSG Marco Silva in Homestead on Saturday March 25, 2006. It was a long ride and the weather was very cool. I had to leave St. Petersburg at 3:30 am to make it on time for the 9 am rally at the assembly area in Homestead.

      I met up with Karoketpa, Chuck, from Largo at about 4 am and we rode together to Naples. It was very cold and I wore my full leathers. Chuck, who was making his second Patriot Guard Mission ride, was dressed in layered clothing. I don't know how he survived, but after about two and a half hours of hurtling through the darkness we arrived at the Naples Harley Davidson parking lot and hitched up with another group led by HDirt and Captain_Squared.

     After a brief  break in Naples the fifteen of us began our trip across the glades by way of the Tamiami Trail. I haven't ridden the trail since the 1970s. It was a beautiful morning and the weather was clear and cool. We made good time and arrived in Homestead with time to spare.

      I don't know how many of us there was. I kept losing count. Some reports say about a hundred, but my rough estimate was about twice that. Someone said they counted ninty flags at the cemetery. I think that is a close estimate. It was a diverse group. There was a lot of vets from different clubs. I saw the Leathernecks MC, U.S. Military Vets, Bikers for Christ, Abate, Combat Veterans MC and of course American Legion Riders. There were a lot of others with no affiliation. They were young and old, vet and non vets. Those on bikes and those in cars and vans. It was a real cross section of people who care.

      SSG Marco Silva was buried with full military honors. The honor guard performed with precision and dignity. The sight of all those flags was very dramatic. Tears streamed down the cheeks of many of the battle hardened faces present.

      I heard the question again. How is it that so many people who didn't know SSG Silva were there to honor him? I think all vets realize that we all knew SSG Silva. He could have been any one of us. SSG Marco Silva represents the best we have to offer and each of us who ever shared combat understands something that transcends time and reason. He is one of us and we are all brothers.

      SSG Silva's father walked the line and shook the hand of each of us there. He thanked us for being there and appreciated our presence. It was a heart stopping moment and one that will not be forgotten. It is us who should have thanked him.

      After I left the service I stopped at the local McDonald's for a quick bite before I hit the long road home. I was absorbed in thought about what had just transpired when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a stranger who wanted to tell me how much they appreciated everything the Patriot Guard had done for SSG Silva and all the others we have ridden for. That happened about four times before I was able to finish my meal. It was a humbling experience and made me proud to be a member of such a fine group.

      I think they must have moved St. Petersburg while I was in Homestead. It seemed like it was about fifty miles further down the road than it was that morning. At least it was light and a little warmer. It was great to get home safe and sound. Now we are standing by for the next call, hoping it never comes.