The family of Pasqual "Pat" Mercado, age 95, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their loved one to his final resting place and It will be our honor to do so.
Pat served in the United States Marine Corp from 8 Dec 1943 until 28 Apr 1946 . Pat was a Corporal at the time of his honorable discharge. Pat was part of the 3rd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division that landed on Green Beach on Iwo Jima Island.
Pat was wounded at the base of Mt Suribachi on 22 Feb 1945 when a mortar round exploded in front of his foxhole. Pat had to evacuate himself back to Green Beach with severe facial wounds, and under heavy fire and with no helmet. Pat was brought aboard a Coast Guard Landing craft and was not expected to survive. Once back to CONUS Pat spent 14 months at San Diego Naval Hospital undergoing multiple surgeries and reconstructive / plastic surgery.to the left side of his face and inner mouth. Pat was awarded the Purple Heart as a result of his injuries.
During his recovery from his wounds, Pat obtained his AA degree in Electronics and was given a job with the DOD after his discharge from active duty. He worked with the DOD at NOTS (Naval Ordnance Test Station) China Lake where he retired in 1985 after 37 years.
Pat loved photography "35mm", polaroids, and movie cameras. Pat had a passion for gardening his fruit trees, melons and roses. Pat attended Marine Corp Reunions with fellow Marines from Iwo Jima throughout the years.
Pat was preceded in passing by his wife Rafaela "Maggie" Mercado and son David Mercado. Pat is survived by his son Daniel Mercado, daughters Mary Mercado and Cathy Mercado Capone, his 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero from the church to his final resting place approx 25 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
TIME TABLE for Tuesday April 26th, 2022:1130 - Stage at St Martha Catholic Church, 37200 Whitewood Rd, Murrieta CA 92563
https://goo.gl/maps/iKVATJYpHJHsFwhR9 1145 - Mission Briefing
1200 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero from church to coach.
1215 - KSU for Riverside National Cemetary 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/G8apnqsWk82ztxyx5 (approx 25 miles)
1300 - Est arrival at RNC
1330 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Jason "Shadow" Atkins
SSgt. / USMC Ret.
PGR Ride Captain951.455.6101
shadowpgr@gmail.com
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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
