Stroked Hemi, I hope you don't mind, but I thought I'd put my reflections here, on your post as well.


First off, let me say that Gary’s funeral was an incredibly emotional and moving experience.

The first thing that hit me was the sheer number of police officers in attendance. As some others have said, I have never seen so many police officers in one location in my entire life (I worked at a state police post for three months.) I think there must have been at least one representative from every law enforcement agency in the State (at least from the lower peninsula of Michigan). County Sheriffs, City Officers, Township Officers. Village Officers, even border patrol officers were there, not to mention fire, rescue, and ambulance personnel. Although I didn’t expect anything less, the respect and honor they showed to a fallen brother was truly amazing.

My Dart is in pieces, so I couldn’t participate in the processional with the other Moparts members who were there. I apologize for not seeking any of you out. I don’t know anybody by sight, and it did not feel like the right place to try to socialize. I introduced myself to Dart Girl later at the cemetery, but that was because I recognized her, and she was standing right beside me. (I thought it would be rude not to at least say, “hi.”)

Everyone gathered outside the funeral home, waiting for Gary’s casket to arrive. When it had, the family was ushered into the church, and seated in the front pews. There were three separate honor guard detachments lining the entrance. A lone bagpiper escorted the flag-draped casket to the front of the church, where two honor guard officers were stationed to watch over the casket throughout the proceedings. Then, the police officers approached the casket side-by-side. When they reached it, they would parade salute (slow motion), and turn to their respective sides, and exit to find a seat. This went on for at least 45 minutes. (Again, AMAZING to see all those officers there for one purpose, to honor one of their own.)

Stroked Hemi’s description of the service is right on. After the service was over, I went to the end of the drive to get some photos of the processional as it left. First, there were about a dozen County Sheriff motorcycle officers leading. Then, Gary’s hearse came; followed by “Unlawfl”, Gary’s car. (I wanted to make sure I caught a picture of “Unlawfl” following Gary’s casket. It seemed fitting.) I stood at the end of that driveway for at least an hour, watching car after car join the processional. I caught the second half of the Mopar processional leaving the funeral home on video, but the beginning was lost due to camera trouble. (If anyone can help me post what I do have, I would appreciate it!)

I feel sorry for anyone that was trying to get anywhere in Waterford on Saturday! The processional had to have gone on for quite a while (maybe an hour, I am not sure). As stated before, they just kinda had to shut their cars off and wait, without any other option. I did notice a plum crazy superbee (?) convertible that was near the entrance to the cemetery, so I let them jump ahead of me, figuring that they were Moparts members. (I noticed OneBadSuperbird in the passenger’s seat after they pulled out, but I didn’t recognize the driver, sorry.) I’ll bet they got some great footage of the processional pulling into the cemetery! (John, I would love to get a copy of that, if possible.)

I didn’t take any pictures once I got inside the cemetery, but it was all very emotional. “Unlawfl” was parked right next to the family’s limo and the hearse. The corps of bagpipers led Gary’s casket to his place, followed by the family. Everyone crowded near to listen to the reverend, then watched and listened as an honor guard recited the symbolism of the folding of the flag that was draped over Gary’s casket. The flag was then presented to Nikki. (This was EXTREMELY difficult to bear.) Two police helicopters flew overhead, and there was a 21-gun salute. The bagpipers played Amazing Grace, which was almost as difficult for me as watching Nikki receive the flag. Then, a Bloomfield Township office offered a final salute to Gary (this was recorded by another member, and is in another post titled “Sound byte that you are all gonna want to hear”). I lost it after that salute. Finally, “Unlawfl” was started and revved up, in final tribute to Gary. I was balling as I made my way to my car.

I regret that I could not stay for the reception, and meet any Moparts members that were there. I hope there will be a more joyous time for that in the future.