The family of Gwendolyn Bolden, age 96, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for her final honors, we are privileged to do so.
Gwendolyn Bolden enlisted in the US Navy in 1953 during the Korean War and served proudly until her enlistment was completed and she was honorably discharged in 1956. She was appointed Lieutenant Jr Grade (LTJG) on June 7, 1956. She also served in the US Navy Reserves for several years.
After serving in the military Gwendolyn continued a lifetime of service to others. She became a teacher, an educator, a nurse, and began to work with several community service programs. Most notably she worked with the Justice Department's "Weed and Seed Program". Operation Weed and Seed is a program that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods across the country.
Gwendolyn was also the CEO of the Gwen Bolden Foundation, honored continuously in television and various periodicals for over 50 years. She established programs for “at risk youth”, there is a building named in her honor, “The Gwen Bolden Manor” which is a transitional housing facility located in Los Angeles.
Ms. Bolden is survived by siblings Rosie, Loretta and Harold, and pre-deceased by siblings Chuck and Violet, also survived by 4 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at the cemetery listed below. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
Time Table for Thursday, 29 DEC 22:1515 - Stage at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068
https://goo.gl/maps/4uCZLUAZuickDyxK81530 - Mission briefing
1600 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero to graveside
1615 - Flag Line and Military Honors
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
Socal PGR Ride CaptainSSGT USAF 1970-1974
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
661-212-2284
You 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.
