The Western Patriot Guard riders arrived two hours earlier than expected Sunday in North Platte on a solemn trip across the country, escorting the remains of a Vietnam serviceman to Nashville, Tenn.
The escort left Seattle-Tacoma Washington airport (SeaTac) on June 19, with the remains in an Alaskan Airways trailer. Their eight-day trip is covering 2,647 miles, due to arrive in Nashville on June 26.
They stopped for lunch at the D&N Event Center, hosted by veterans groups of North Platte, primarily VFW Post 1504 as well as members of the American Legion Post 163.
Mayor Brandon Kelliher arrived to personally thank the riders in the 40-member escort and say he hopes to see them again next year, when another lunch break on an escort is planned.
The gathering was held at the D&N Event Center. The riders pulled out around 12:30 p.m., headed back on the road to Tennessee.
The trailer was created by workers at Alaskan Airways. The airline is donating a trailer to each airport it serves to transport military remains to the proper resting grounds.
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I salute you Sir. May you finally rest in peace.
The sailor could have been identified.