Burial with military honors was performed Friday morning at Violet Hill Cemetery for U.S. Navy veteran Lewis Mason.
Thirteen motorcyclists with the Patriot Guard Riders of Iowa and several more in trucks formed the ceremonial procession for the transportation of Mason’s remains from the Perry City Hall to the cemetery.
A moment of prayerful devotion was taken prior to the procession, which was also attended by several figures from the Perry City Hall and Perry Police Department.
Some 50 people gathered at the cemetery for the 10 a.m. interment. Chaplain Lucas Murphy of the Iowa National Guard delivered words of comfort. A salute was fired by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2060 in Perry.
Following the playing of “Taps,” representatives of the U.S. Navy folded the ceremonial flag and presented it to Dallas County Veterans Affairs Director Nick Praska, saying, “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for Lewis Mason’s honorable and faithful service.”
Praska thanked the gathered patriots for their attendance. Adair County Veterans Affairs Director Duane Avey was also present as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Iowa.
