The family of Sydney "Larry" Lawrence Gravenburg, 94, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to accompany their loved one from the mortuary to RNC, and attend the military honors. It will be our honor to do so.
Larry was born in Port Arthur, Texas on the 22nd of December, 1922, and entered into eternal rest on the 7th of October, 2017. Larry joined the U S Air Force, the 2nd of July, 1942. The Jim Crow laws of segregation were still in effect, so he was assigned a labor detail in GRS (Grave Registration Service) as a grave digger, he was in what he called a Service Unit. Some time within his enlistment, he was assigned to the U S Army under the same detail. Larry served in the Pacific in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines where he eventually did see combat, earning him a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Larry served proudly until his discharge, the 19th of November, 1945. Larry was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart among other medals.
After the war, Larry's passion for living a simple life was apparent, a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He just enjoyed living one day at a time. He worked most of his life as a lot man in many car dealerships in the Pasadena area. In 1973 he went to work for Charlie, a man who was 15 years old when they met in 1952, at a family owned salvage yard in Pasadena. Larry worked for Charlie and Charlie' s family the rest of his life. Charlie and Larry relied on each other.
If there was a parade, Larry would be there in his 10-gallon hat and his convertible Cadillac. Hollywood Christmas Parade was one of his favorite, where he reunited with celebrities and friends, year after year. Larry always kept up on current events on a global scale and always believed America First.
Larry always carried the pain of burying the men and women during his service, but was truly honored at the same time.
Larry is survived by his son, Eiche (Ike) and his nephew, Harry. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Ruby and his daughter, Heidi Ann.
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 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 there.
Timetable for Wednesday, October 18, 2017:0630 - Stage at Arnolds Mortuary 126 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena, CA 91101
https://goo.gl/maps/jcgRmZ7iQas0640 - Mission Briefing
0650 - Flag line as hero is transferred to coach. Pall bearers are requested.
0700 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/29KnzDFqNuL20815 - ETA RNC Administration Office Parking
0900 - PGR joining us at RNC Please stage just North of Staging area #8 for briefing
0915 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Military Honors and the Service.
R/C Curt "Stitch" Bancroft
So Cal PGR Ride captain
818 406-0408
cbptg1@gmail.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.
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.
