The family of Salvatore Joseph Spano has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Sal proudly served in the U.S. Navy from November 1947 to November 1951, including deployment to the Korean War aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. (DD850). He earned the Navy Occupation Medal, Korean Service and China Service Medals.
Sal met his future wife, Mary, 74 years ago, in New Jersey on August 17, 1947. They fell in love and married on September 17, 1950. Since Mary’s passing in 2007, Sal was a devoted volunteer at Grossmont Hospital and Sharp Hospice Care, logging 5,719 hours with Grossmont Hospital, and 244 hours with Sharp Hospice Care. It was always meaningful to him to be of service to others, and he was very passionate about his service at Grossmont Hospital. Sal’s greatest legacy is his kindness, exceptional love of family, and his sense of humor. Surviving Sal are his daughters, Terri Spano (partner Renee) and Pattie Grover (husband Jeff), grandchildren Christopher Dutton, Michael Dutton (wife Kristin), and Nikki Thorkelson, and great-grandchildren Alex and Jake and sister Lucy Targia.
This will be a Flag Line Only at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Tuesday, 24 August 2021:0945 - Stage at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
https://goo.gl/maps/Es6JLF32wRbzF25Q91000 - Mission Briefing
1015 – Move to committal sight for families arrival
1030 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
PGR Ride Captain(619)277-5176
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 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.
