SSG Leroy Cloud flag presentation, Taylor, TX, 07 May 2024

[markwells]

Confirmed Mission: Riders, you recall we were honored to participate in the interment service for SSG Leroy Cloud, WWII US Army KIA, in Taylor on 06 April 2024.  At the conclusion of the mission his family members entrusted the PGR with the US Flag which draped his casket.  They asked us to find a place it could be honorably displayed so his sacrifice would be remembered.

Austin Ride Captain Gary Mayers contacted the American Legion Post 39 in Taylor who said they would be thrilled to display a memorial to SSG Cloud.  The PGR will present the flag at their regular meeting.  Some of SSG Cloud’s family will be in attendance. There will be no flag line.

All riders are invited to meet for dinner nearby beforehand as noted below.  We’ll then ride together from the restaurant to the AL Post.

Date/Time: Tuesday,  07 May 2024.  Meeting begins at 6:30 pm at American Legion Post 39, 1310 Sycamore St, Taylor, TX 76574.

Staging location: MasFajitas Mexican Restaurant, 1905 N Main St, Taylor, TX 76574.  map link

Timeline:
5:00 – 6:10 pm – dinner
6:10 pm – briefing
6:15 pm – KSU for the short ride to the AL post.

Wx: Partly cloudy, high 89 F

Notes: The presentation will take place after the opening of the meeting.  We are free to stay or go after the presentation portion.

Ride Captain: Gary Mayers, texanat6@aol.com, (512) 797-6613

[Gary Mayers]

Five Austin Patriot Guard Riders met at MasFajitas for dinner and socializing. Food was great. After eating everyone met at the American Legion for the Memorial.

Today’s mission was like no other we have ever done. On Saturday April 6th, 23 patriot Guard Riders stood a flag line for Staff Sergeant Cloud. District Ride Captain Mark Wells and I were approached by members of the family and asked if we knew of any organization that would set up a site to display the casket flag in honor of SSG Leroy Cloud’s memory. I Told Mark that I would contact the American Legion Post 39 in Taylor.

Coordinating with Commander Scott Dean has led us to today’s mission. Commander Dean opened their monthly meeting with the pledge of Alliance followed by a prayer from the chaplain.

Commander Dean called on Mark to make some comments. He opened with a little history of how the Patriot Guard came to exist. He then explained about how they could become members if they chose to do so.

Mark called on Ride Captain Gary Mayers. I recognized great niece Paula Cloud and she came forward to present the casket flag to Commander Dean. I presented a Picture of SSG Leroy Cloud to be displayed with the flag. Paula started to read SSG Cloud’s Obituary and I read the second part. I then thanked Commander Dean and the American Legion for providing a place to display this memorial in honor of a great hero SSG Leroy Cloud. We know now that SSG Cloud is home where he belongs and that his family finally after 80 years has closure.
What a Great Day and what an honor it was to take part in this mission.
R.I.P. Leroy C. Cloud

[Author]

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