Last week, when a retired Marine and Vietnam veteran passed away, his granddaughter reached out to American Military News to spread the word of her grandfathers passing because she was worried that no one would show up to to his military memorial service.
Cassaundra Robertson, who also happens to be active duty in the military, reached out to us and gave us this request:
Our loving father and grandfather, Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Richard William Bailey Jr., three time Vietnam Veteran and retired Marine, passed away on September 7th. The majority of our immediate family was unfortunately not able to stay for his Military Memorial Service on Monday. Considering it will only be a handful of us in attendance, I have reached out to every Military support forum I could think of in an attempt to get as many Veterans, service members, and proud military persons to attend and show support for my Grandmother, Ronda Bailey.
I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing the sadness on her face, after losing her best friend of 39 years, to arrive at the ceremony and only have a few people there. ANY support would be GREATLY appreciated. He was a kind, compassionate and honorable soul, in addition to being a proud Marine and supporter of all Military service members.
His service was held on September 12 at 2 pm at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.
The Bailey’s recently moved from Tennessee so they didn’t have many friends or family in Missouri that could attend the memorial service.
Veterans and several others answered the call on Monday and showed up to the service.
A local POW/KIA MC organized a motorcycle escort from her grandmothers house to the cemetery and 50 veterans showed up to the procession just before 2 pm. They held flags and saluted Bailey’s family as they walked passed near the committal building. In addition, another 50 people showed up to the memorial service.
Adam Jamieson from the Rolling Thunder MC chapter 1 organized the military escort.
The Patriot Guard Riders and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association were in attendance as well. The Marine Corps League 993, performed the honors.
Caussandra Robertson then had a message for all of those who showed support for her family:
“My family and I just wanted to say THANK YOU, so much, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone involved in making this happen. To all the social media that shared the story, a special thank you to Adam Jamieson from the Rolling Thunder MC chapter 1, The American Legion post 639, and the Combat Veterans Association for riding all the way to my Grandmas home to escort us to the cemetery in Springfield. Adam Jamieson was amazing. He was able to put everything together for us in only two days time.
And from my grandma, ‘There are no words, heart-felt enough, to describe how honored and grateful we are for everything that everyone has done for my husband and our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.’ Ronda K. Bailey. And to all the amazing people who took time from their lives to attend my Grandpas service, thank-you for reminding us how many good people there are still left in this great nation!”
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