Working together for a fitting tribute

On Friday, Dec. 16, it was 16 degrees when I got ready to walk out of the house to say goodbye to a very dear friend who was being honored at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.

Frank Vevers had retired with over 30 years as a U.S. marshal bomb technician. He was also a Vietnam veteran and a firefighter with the Allentown Fire Department before joining the Air Force. He was a member of the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge and the D.C. Ramblers Motorcycle Club.

I would like to express my admiration to all the police officers from all the different departments who escorted the precession to Cheltenham from Hunt Funeral Home in Waldorf. Over the years, I have also helped escort many funerals with the D.C. Ramblers Club, Blue Knights, Legion Riders, Hog chapters and even the Patriot Guard Riders into Arlington, which was an honor for me to do. Most are assisted by different police departments throughout the years.

Due to the cold weather on Dec. 16, I did not ride my bike that morning, but I have never witnessed one done with such precision and with great coordination among the different departments. There were the sheriff’s offices from Prince George’s and Charles counties, the U.S. Park Police and others. There were 12 motorcycles and five other vehicles doing the escort up to Cheltenham.

The most moving moment for me was when all 12 motorcycle officers blocked the southbound lane on 301 facing south with all their lights on until the procession proceeded across U.S. 301 into the cemetery. In talking to the motor men prior to the procession, they didn’t even know Frank was a U.S. marshal.

Thanks, guys, what a tribute for Frank. He would have loved it. I know I did, and so did his family and those who were there to witness it. Done by the men in blue and in different colors, too, working together.

Hans Svane, Waldorf