Legion bikers plan Kapaun honor guard
Staff writer
An honor guard of biking veterans will round out the hero’s welcome for Father Emil Kapaun when his remains return to Kansas in September.
American Legion Riders of Kansas hopes to line both sides of Remington Rd. from St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen to US-56 with veterans carrying American flags on their bikes.
“It’s going to be a statewide effort,” said Bob Deister, director of Post 68, Hutchinson.
Deister has been with the Legion Riders for seven years and rode with the Patriot Guard as well.
He started volunteering when members of Westboro Baptist Church began protesting military funerals.
“We showed up to act as a buffer between them and the funeral,” he said.
Like many biking vets, Deister is a member of both American Legion and Patriot Guard.
Bikers with the American Legion also plan to meet Kapaun’s remains when they arrive at Eisenhower International Airport in Wichita.
Bikers from several chapters of Legion Riders are expected escort Kapaun’s remains on their route to Pilsen.
“We’re looking for a large turnout,” he said. “This is going to be an important event.”