Florida Patriot Riders Honor Specialist Robert Edward Blair
6 June 2006, Ocala, Florida

The Florida Patriot Riders paid their respects to Specialist Robert Blair today and helped escort him to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. It was a very moving experience for everyone who attended and the Patriot Guard Riders demonstrated their respect and honor for Specialist Blair's bravery and his family's sacrifice.
	The  riders ralleyed in the Winn Dixie parking lot a few blocks from the First Baptist Church where services were to be held. Lowell St. Cyr "Saint" represented the American Legion Riders Post 104 at this event. He was accompanied by Charley "Karoaketpa" Melcher and later joined by Robert "rboff". We left from the Cracker Barrel parking lot in St. Petersburg at 9:30 and got to Ocala at 11:30. Soon the parking lot began to fill with riders from all over the state.
There were many familiar faces. Where a few months ago many of the riders were strangers united in a common cause, now we have come to know each other and consider ourselves friends. It is always good to see friends, even under such sad circumstances.           There were four riders from the American Legion Riders Post 138 in attendance. They are Post 104's neighbors from across the bay. Many other clubs and independents showed up.
	Zephyr and a group from Pasco arrived at about noon. The Naples folks arrived about the same time. Less Jeff, HDirt, who had to sit this one out with a bad back. The Atlantic Beach American Legion Riders had several riders there. Then there were the U.S. Military Vets and several other clubs who's presence was appreciated.          The parking  lot filled rapidly. It was hard to get an accurate count because they kept coming in right up until we headed to the church.
Griz gave a safety and orientation talk and we were ready to ride to the church.           Due to the sheer volumn of photographs taken on this mission I will be building two pages to show them all. The First page is in the assembly area and the second page will cover the First Baptist Church and Florida National Cemetery.
After the briefing we made the short ride to the Church with an escort from the Marion County Sheriff's Department. They were excellent and provided us with a safe passage throughout the day.

When the Florida riders arrived at the First Baptist Church of Ocala they immediately began assembling their flags in preparation to provide a tunnel of red, white and blue for the family soon to arrive.
	The heat beat down on us. It was nearly 1:30 pm and the temperature was in the low 90s. The humidity was high and every one was in a sweat from the heat of the engines combined with the natural Florida air.           Water was provided and the riders rehydrated as they prepared to form up at the front of the church to show the arriving family of Specialist Blair their respect for the sacrifice they had made for this country.
After the Blair family and friends arrived and entered the church we were invited by the friendly congregation to cool off in their alcove. They brought us pitchers of cold ice water and made us comfortable during the service taking place in the church. At a little after 4 pm we reassembled by the drive and again held our flags in honor of their son, Robert.
	Then we were off to the Florida National Cemetery. For awhile time stood still in Ocala. The citizens of this town left their shops and businesses and lined the street. Hands over their hearts, many in tears as the funeral procession winded its way slowly through the town. Each saying their own farewell to a fallen hero, one of their own.
After the short graveside service the Blair family walked the flag line and thanked each of us for being there. It was our honor, thank you for inviting us. Robert Blair was our hero, too.