The family of Edward Welcker has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service. This is a unique opportunity to honor a hero of the Royal Dutch Navy, who served as an Ally alongside US forces in the Pacific Theatre. It will be our privilege to do so.
World War II was an epic part of the world's history, and of course, American history. One that was hard fought and won by all the countries involved in defeating the enemy. This victory could not have taken place without all of the brave troops from all nations coming together to defeat them. For this reason, the PGR is honored to recognize our Allied Troops for their service.
Ed served during WWII as a Corporal, Electrical Engineer in the Royal Dutch Navy, in the Pacific Theatre. He served on the light cruiser Hr. Ms. De Ruyter, with American, Australian, and English allies in defense of the Dutch East Indies. On 27 February 1942 the De Ruyter was the flagship off the coast of Java when the fleet was surprised by Japanese heavy cruisers. The De Ruyter was hit by a single torpedo and sunk early the following morning. Ed was one of the few survivors of the De Ruyter and was in the water for several days, when he was eventually picked up by the Japanese. He ended up imprisoned in a Japanese POW encampment in Thailand, where he remained for 3 years. During his imprisonment he was forced by the Japanese to work on the Burma Railroad. He was released at the end of the war, and he returned to Indonesia where he continued his service, in the Dutch Royal Navy, until his honorable discharge in 1948.
For his service, Ed was awarded the Dutch Medal of Order and Peace.
After Ed was discharged from the Dutch Royal Navy, he immigrated to Holland. Then in 1961, Ed with his wife and 5 children immigrated to the United States, under the sponsorship of family members, where they then became citizens.
Ed is survived by his brother Willie Welcker, children Yvonne Bell, Sonja Turner, Lydia Taubert, Erneman Welcker, and Jan-Willem Welcker, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
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 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 cemetery, we will meet you ther
Time Table for Saturday, 8 April 2017:1215 - Stage at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 24252 El Toro Rd., Laguna Woods, CA 92637.
https://goo.gl/maps/8wS4r6XkbUF21230 - PGR Mission Briefing.
1300 (est) - Dignified flag line as hero is transferred from the church to the mortuary vehicle.
1315 (est) – KSU to Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, Ca 92630.
https://goo.gl/maps/HWcSnWDZpt821330 – Dignified Flag Line, and Funeral Service.
Jeff "TriGeezer" Werner
So Cal Patriot Guard Ride CaptainCarlsbad, Ca
Cell: 503-989-5315
Pgrtrigeezer@Yahoo.com
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.
