Our good friends at Risher Mortuary and the family of Edward Gaytan Velasco, 96, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Edward entered the United States Navy on 03 October 1943 and was honorably discharged as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one star and the Philippine Liberation Victory Medal WWII.
After his time in the military, Edward worked over 30+ years as a master journeyman in refrigeration. In his off time, Edward enjoyed riding motorcycles. BMWs were his favorite motorcycle and he rode them until he could no longer do so. He and his wife had a little almond farm where they had over 200 trees and always had bags full of almonds that were given away to the family. He loved running the tractor on the farm and he really loved science.
Edward’s beloved wife of 60 years, Eva, passed away in 2007. He is survived by his three children: son, Edward; daughters, Maria Elena and Connie; and several grandchildren and great-children. He is also survived by his sister, Mary, and brother, Manuel.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to the cemetery, approximately 8 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 20220945 – Stage at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 7215 Newlin Ave, Whittier, CA. Please arrive as quietly as possible as mass will be in service.
https://goo.gl/maps/TJKdUVKMWDNCTqybA1000 – Mission briefing.
1030 – Flag line as Hero is brought out to the coach.
1045 – KSU to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 966 N. Potero Grande Dr, Rosemead, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/mwhEWzUs9EmuwP9Z81100 – Approximate ETA to cemetery followed by flag line and military honors at the gravesite.
Rick “Moonman” Luna
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
rickluna54@gmail.com626-378-2304
I Ride for my Brothers
Vince Hernandez USMC
Danny Hernandez USN, USARYou do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
