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 Members of the service carry the men's cremated remains to their final resting places. Photo by Ginny Craven.
LAKEPORT – On a crisp autumn day the American flag flew at half staff and fluttered in the breeze.
The Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County, Patriot Guard Riders, United States Army Honor Guard, friends, family and others gathered to say farewell to three veterans this past Monday.
The ceremony began when the Patriot Guard Riders rumbled into Hartley Cemetery with flags flying.
Seventeen riders, some from as far away as Roseville and Napa, joined locals to pay tribute to their comrades. They didn’t know the men being buried, but they knew they were veterans and that was enough to bring them together.
Monday morning was clear and bright as the bugler’s notes rang through Hartley Cemetery. The playing of “Taps” and firing of the traditional three round volley stirred the emotions of all in attendance to honor Harry E. Peckham (Navy), Perry A. McCosker (Army) and Jack C. Zent (Army) at Veterans Circle.
It is a privilege for ordinary citizens to attend services and pay tribute to our veterans. Honors are rendered and the appropriate thanks are bestowed upon those who honorably served our country.
Family members of the three men were proud of their loved ones and verbalized their deep appreciation for the presence of others honoring them.
The final farewell was honorable, just as the veterans who had earned it.
Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .  The Patriot Guard riders arrive at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport on Monday, November 16, 2009. Photo by Ginny Craven.  A folded flag about to be presented to a family member. Photo by Ginny Craven.  A member of the military prepares to salute after offering the flag for one of the veterans to a family member. Photo by Ginny Craven.
 A bugler with the United Veterans Council's Military Funeral Honors Team played “Taps.” Photo by Ginny Craven.
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