First Flag Line

Saturday January 7th Dave and I stood our first official Patriot Guard flag line.  Officer Shawn Schneider of Lake City, Minnesota had responded to a domestic call on December 19th.  He was escorting a 17 year old girl from the premises, when he was shot in the head from behind.  While he struggled to survive for 11 days in a Rochester hospital, we attended a candle light vigil for him.  After hearing of his death, we knew we needed to attend his funeral to pay our respects.

Dave and I both knew that we would know when the right time would come to stand our first flag line, it is strange that we both felt it at the same time.  I wonder if it was because it was not a military funeral, that we would feel as if we were somewhat of outsiders in it?  Over 2000 law enforcement from around the region attended, there to pay their respects to a fallen brother, much as the military feel about each other.

The day was very mild in terms of Minnesota in January, around 30 and sunny.  We met across the highway from the church for the briefing, long before any mourners could arrive, as to be in our line as they arrived.  Walking single file, silent and dignified to our places, I began to think of what the PGR that stood the flag line for Curtis felt like.  I never knew Shawn, but I respected what he stood for.  As my hands and feet got cold, I did what I could to warm them, but stood my ground.  I wanted the lines and lines of officers passing me to know I would be there to support all of them.  I watched many of the passengers in the cars passing by mouth their thanks, or open jawed in awe, just as I did when I experienced the PGR for the first time.  I knew what they were feeling first hand. 

Our ride captain, the same ride captain for us, asked if I would like to pay my respects.  I took time to think about it, but decided I wanted to.  With so many people, it was impossible to talk to the family personaly, but I collected my blue rose and walked the line past the casket.  I held the rose along with my flag with pride. 

After the funeral began, our flag line walked back the same way we came, in silence, single file.  It was time to set the flag line at the grave site.  Dave and I had collectively decided that we would not join them there, feeling baby steps into this process was best.  We felt the grave site would be too difficult.  Before departure, we were talking with another member who had been at Curtis' funeral.  During the day he had stood directly across from me.  He was amazed to see us there and mentioned how he didn't know how we could do this.  I answered him with the one thing that kept coming to my mind all day, "I'm here to repay a debt."

Thank you Officer Schneider, you and your family's sacrifice will not be forgotten.