Tonk's Last Ride (A Memorial Thread to coincide with his real life memorial today)

Friends of Brian

[StarCMC]

Tonk's Last Ride

We are gathered here today, on this thread, to honor our
good friend, a true patriot who with his every breath
honored our country and the men and women who
serve her.  His name in real life was Brian Marotta,
but he was known here on FR as

"68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub"

--or Tonk for short.

His story - in his own words - can be found on
his FReeper Profile Page.

POW/MIA Never Forget	US Navy GMG3 '66-'69		Tonkin Gulf '68-'69	Coast Guard Auxiliary Oct 2001-

 

 

    

Please post your pictures of honor to our friend.  This is our way of virtually attending his memorial, which is being held today in Oregon.  We wish we could be there, with his family, to celebrate his life with them, but this is the best we can do.

 

 

 

 

Goodbye, Tonk.  We love you. You will never be forgotten.

[amom]

My dear MS.BEHAVIN, I intended to post a reply to you, but it got lost somewhere in the din of activity yesterday afternoon. I saw your Canteen, Gathering of Eagles thread and know Mr Tonkin would be so proud of you! Of course you know that but I wanted to say it anyway.

[bannie]

That’s a beautiful post.

Brian was one man who made a huge difference in the world.

[Kathy in Alaska]

There were 5 bikes and 6 PGR riding in the missing man formation from the funeral home to the Willamette National Cemetery.

The paper you see on the "windshield" (fairing?)...

[EternalVigilance]

He stood by me in some important political battles.

He stood by his country.

For that, I’ll remember him.

RIP Tonk...

[eyedigress]

Rest well Sir.

[Diver Dave]

Thanks for the ping and pics, Kathy.

All the tributes to Brian are very special - as is he.

I post the following pic as a rememberance of when we greeted one another...

[My Favorite Headache]

I was out of town and totally missed the news of his passing. This was a man who set the standards of which all Freepers should follow. A total class act and he will be greatly missed by all who remember what he brought to the table and this country.

God Bless You Tonk...I Remember.

[Kathy in Alaska]

He sure did enjoy meeting people. Thanks for the picture.

[RVN Airplane Driver]

Tonk, My good man, may you RIP

[Kathy in Alaska]

Please note the name of the business establishment across the street...LOL!

SouthernHawk....meet Nick.

The cremains....the urn is the beach and rocks and a lighthouse, just like his home.

Pulling up to the office of the cemetery.

Staging before the ride up to the site. The other riders have gone ahead.

Nick said it was the first time they'd riden with a service flag....note the Coast Guard flag.

I'm asleep....more tomorrow.

[dredhawk]

To all who serve, or love or care for those who do...

I know he was a Navy Vet. I didn't change any of this for fear of making a typo or mistake


The soldier stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass.
Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?

The soldier squared his shoulders
And said, No Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough;
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help;
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much;
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets;
You've done your time in Hell.



I did not write this. Found it on FR ~

[Soaring Feather]

Thank You, bannie.

Yes, Brian was a man who made a difference.

[Soaring Feather]

Kathy, thank you. *HUGS*

[blackie]

Thanks, Kathy for everything ~ great pix!

The Lord has a place in Heaven for Brian.

[amom]

Great picture Diver Dave.

I ate in that restaurant last Saturday morning.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Arriving at the memorial site.

The PGR Honor Guard of flags on the way to the memorial site.

The Military Honor Guard bringing the flag and Brian's cremains to the site.

The PGR and Pipey.

The three riflemen and behind, in the shade, the bugler.

[Miss Marple]

RIP Tonk. You served your country well.

God bless you, as you enter into paradise.

[Soaring Feather]

[Kathy in Alaska]

See pictures at Posts #230 and #236 for Brian's Memorial Day.

The Honor Guard soldiers came in and picked up the flag...

They unfolded the flag...

Snapped it smartly open...

Refolded it very precisely.....

Presented it to the SGT...

The presentation to Matt...they also presented him with 3 shell casings.

SouthernHawk wrote..."As the ceremony comes to an end, the folded flag is presented to the family and the melancholy tune from a single bagpipe carries our thoughts and prayers to heaven." Pipey playing Eternal Father and Amazing Grace.

The gentleman to the left was from the Portland Coast Guard Staton. He said, "I'm in charge of these guys. Brian got trained, and trained the others. His contribution will not be forgotten."

Saying goodbye to the PGR.

The last look at the site of Brian's Memorial service.

[Calpernia]

Thanks. I’m going to snag a few of the pics. When I’m less misty eyed, that is :(