!! UPDATE - STAGING CHANGE BELOW - SEE TIME TABLE !!
Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to honor US Navy Seabee Manuel Lopez for his service and sacrifice to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Manuel Lopez proudly served in the US Navy as a Seabee from Nov 13, 1943 to Apr 11, 1946, obtaining the rank of Machinist Mate Third Class Petty Officer. Manuel served in WWII with the 103rd Naval Construction Battalion in the Pacific Theater, second Battle of Guam which was the recapture of the island held by the Japanese, and the Battle of Tinian. Awards earned were WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.
As a civilian, Manuel had a short career with the LAPD, then became a truck driver for more than 20 years until a traffic accident ended that career. After a lengthy rehabilitation, Manuel became active in community causes. He was an advocate for handicapped children, under privileged, and under served children. As a member of the American Legion he advocated for Veterans causes. Manuel is credited with establishing the first American Legion post in the City of Commerce.
Manuel is survived by his wife of 66 years, Socorro and 5 Children, Anna Marie, Marian, Jimmy, Patsy and Dominic who also served as a Seabee, Retired. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. One of Manuel’s grandchilden, Dominic’s son, also served as a Seabee with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Three generations of USN Seabees.
Dominic shared a story his mom told him. Having not met Manuel yet, she prayed for all Military men, knowing that she would eventually marry a Military man.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the church services to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the church or the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Friday, 5 Jan 2018:0745 - NEW STAGING: Guerra Gutierrez Mortuary, 5800 E. Beverly Blvd., Los Angles, CA 90022
https://goo.gl/maps/2hmRbfoURFr0800 - Flag Line as Hero is placed in coach
0815 - KSU to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 820 N. Garfield Ave.. Montebello, CA 90640 [1.5 miles]
https://goo.gl/maps/NoKvbPf6Fvy0845 - Flag Line as Hero is moved from coach to church for service
0915 - Mission Briefing
0930 - Flag Line as Hero is transfered back to coach
0945 - KSU to Calvary Cemetery, 4201 Whittier BL. Los Angeles CA 90023 [4.5 miles]
https://goo.gl/maps/bXhhAU1PeAo1000 - ETA Calvary Cemetery
1015 - Flag Line for Graveside Service with full Military Honors
R/C Rick “Moonman” Luna
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
USMC Vet
lunardad@msn.com
626 378 2304
"I Ride for my fellow Marine Brother and PGR R/C Vince Hernandez"Please remember our mission is to stand tall and silent for our Hero.
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
