Sgt. Alley was shot down over Vietnam on April 6, 1972 and has been missing in action for 38 years.
Riders representing many veterans organizations lined up to escort SGT. Alley to his final resting place where 3 honor guards awaited and two flyovers paid there respects. The last flyover in the missing man formation.
The sun was hot and a number of people fell out and had to be treated for heat exhaustion. Two were taken to the hospital.
But no one left before the service was concluded. For any price paid that day could only pale in comparison to the ultimate price paid 38 years ago by Sgt. Alley and his loved ones.
It was an honor to be there. It was an honor to witness the outpouring of respect and gratitude as this
long lost, but never forgotten hero, was escorted to his final rest.
We pray that this soldiers return will help to ease the pain that still lingers in the veterans of the war America would like to forget.
We pray that this soldiers family will have closure after so many years.
We pray that this soldiers return will galvanize in the hearts of all that wars are not just something fought abroad. They are fought on the home front everyday in the souls of those who await the return of a loved one who went off to do as they were asked by their country, but have yet to return.
Welcome Sgt. Alley. May you and your family have the peace so rightfully deserved.
Our thanks go out to all who made the trip to pay respects and to those if not there in body were so in spirit.
Pics can be found here
and here and here by Z
and here by cowgirl
Other related links courtesy of Z
Bradenton news article and photos ...
NBC2 News ...
http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/
Southwest Florida Biker Post ...
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