The family of Kenneth W. Thompson has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their loved one, a member of our Greatest Generation and his service to our Country by riding with him one last time to his eternal resting place at Riverside National Cemetery and to stand a Flag Line at his committal service. It will be our privilege to do so.
Kenneth Thompson, 101, was born was born on February 9, 1917 in Virginia, Minnesota and went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 12, 2018 in Downey, California.
A veteran of the United States Army during World War II, he served from May, 1942 thru October 1945 as a radar technician in five major battles, including Battle of the Bulge and Bastogne. Until the day he died, Ken was a great patriot who deeply loved the United States of America.
Kenny grew up during the Great Depression in Duluth, Minnesota. He later moved to California where he was supervisor of field training for the Maytag Company for over 35 years. Kenny was dedicated to his friends and community, the City of Downey.
Kenny was a devoted husband to his sweetheart, Vivian, for over 53 years until her death in 2000, and was a loving father to his three daughters: Joan, Kathy, and Mary. He cherished his role of grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, serving as a role model to three generations.
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 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.
Time Table for Friday 20 April 2018:0845 - Stage at Trinity Baptist Church, 8219 Florence Ave, Downey, Ca 90240
https://goo.gl/maps/mjFUAbWkaQu0915 - Mission Briefing
0930 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518
1100 - Estimate time of arrival at Riverside National Cemetery, (Family Staging Area #7, PGR north of Staging Area #8) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/hQKiqrfDgGp1115 - KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
[
b]R/C Tim Self
"Capt Stealth"So Cal PGR Ride Captain[/b]
american_patriot21@yahoo.com
253-304-1833 cell
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.
