JPG: Stories: How To: Fallan Alaskan Honored

How To

Fallan Alaskan Honored

By Gary Foltz

6 Dec 2008

I wish to thank the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club for coming out and performing the Fallen Warrior Ceremony at the Military Appreciation weekend games. These Veterans came and performed this poignant Ceremony despite the 20 Degree weather and icy roads of Alaska. This Honor Guard came on their Motor Cycles and Rode out on to the Ice and performed flawlessly along side Iraq and Afghanistan purple heart recipients. Vietnam Veterans have Honored the Iraq and Afghan Soldiers in many ways across the Nation weather it is here in Alaska or riding as Honor Guards for the services of Fallen Warriors in the lower 48.

When ever I meet a Vietnam Vet I welcome them Home. Many were never welcomed back after their Tours of Duty in Vietnam or shown the respect they deserve. Which is why it is so touching to see these men and women stand up an Honor the Soldiers of this War. They will never let another member of the United States Armed Forces return Home without a show of gratitude. I would ask that you send one of these Vietnam Veterans groups an Email Welcome them Home and remember the Fallen they carry in their Heart their Fallen Brothers.

The Following was borrowed from the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club of Alaska.

t is with sincere gratitude and honor that we, the members of the Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Club are among you gathered here today to remember fellow veterans that have given their lives for the preservation of America's precious freedoms. To show our respect to our fellow comrades lost in conflict, we are proud to conduct this Fallen Warrior Ceremony. Since ancient times, soldiers paid their respect to a fallen brother, by erecting a small monument on the battlefield, comprised of his battle gear and weapons to mark the passing of a fellow warrior, and to let others know that his sacrifice should not be so easily forgotten. Times have changed but not the ritual, and although the sword has been replaced with the rifle, this symbol of reverence to those who have passed before us continues to this day.

At this time in the ceremony we have a Brother move forward and plant a rifle in the ground, a second Brother moves forward and place a helmet on the stock of the rifle, and then a third Brother moves forward and places boots and dog tags at the base of the rifle. During some performances we have a female veteran to move forward and place a red rose at the base of the rifle to symbolize our undying love for our fallen warrior. Everyone salutes and Taps on a bugle or Amazing Grace on bag pipes is played to conclude the ceremony.

Duty, Honor and Hockey

Alaska Aces vs. Bakersfield Condors

Friday December 7th 2007 at the Sullivan Arena

The Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Club ALASKA performed it's 4-man Rolling Thunder and Fallen Warrior Ceremony on the ice during intermission of the Alaska Aces game with the Bakersfield Condors as the Aces celebrate their 13th annual Military Homecoming Weekend Dec. 7, 2007.

We wanna say thanks to the Alaska Aces and all the Aces fans for their warm support.

Final Score: Aces - five, Condors - four

http://www.vnvmc-ak.com/Event%20Write-ups/Alaska%20Aces%202005.htm

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