The family of Manuel A. Rivas invites the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in their loved one’s funeral services and military honors. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Manuel proudly and honorably defended our country from 28 MAR 1941 to 30 AUG 1945 assigned to the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Division, United States Army. On 16 DEC 1941, nine days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Manuel shipped out of San Francisco to Honolulu, Hawaii, to guard Hickam Airfield and was a combat veteran at Guadalcanal and the North Solomon Islands.
In the summer of 1943, Manuel contracted Malaria. As soon as he recovered he rejoined his outfit to continue the fight. In May of 1944, Manuel took leave to go to Los Angeles and marry the love of his life, Mercedes. Shortly after, Manuel relapsed with Malaria and was sent to Camp Stoneman, Pittsburgh, CA to finish his tour of duty and was honorably discharged 30 AUG 45 at the rank of Private First Class.
After his discharge, Manuel worked in the lumber and sawmill industry for 35 years and retired at the age of 62 years old. Additionally, he coached Pico Rivera Little League for 30 years, even though he never played the game. He learned from other coaches and read coaching books.
Manuel is another example of the “greatest generation” and will be sadly missed, but happily remembered.
Manuel A. Rivas would have been 101 years old 6 DEC 2019.
Manuel is survived by the love of his life for 75 years, his wife Mercedes; daughters, Ernestine and Estelle, and son, Manuel, Jr; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one great,great-grandchild.
Note: This notice is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested all are welcome. We will accompany the hero and his family from St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Whittier, CA to his final resting place. Please see time table if you would like to participate. For those that would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
PLEASE ARRIVE QUIETLY, AS SERVICES WILL BE IN PROGRESS
Time table for 11 DEC 19
1030 hrs Stage at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church,13935 Telegraph Rd., Whittier, CA 90604
1045 hrs Mission briefing
1100 hrs Flag line for out=r hero to coach
1115 hrs KSU to Rose Hills Memorial Park, 38888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601
1145 hrs Flag line and military honors
Ride Captain
Paul (PeaceKeeper) Anderson
Downey, CA
310.717.3656
PeaceKeeper1944@gmail.com
Blessed are the Peacemakers
You do not have to be a Veteran or motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed by the Rice Captain (R/C). Dress for motorcycle riding or casually if you are in a car (cage). No shorts or other inappropriate attire.
