Acting on information supplied by American Legion Post Commander Gary Greenough in Santa Rosa, the Clearlake Legion Adjutant Dennis Alexander rallied Commander Rick Ostler and others to stand vigil for the procession escorting the body of Sgt. Jason Buzzard to Ukiah.
Sgt. Buzzard, 31, is the first soldier from Ukiah to lose his life in the service of his country in Iraq and it was initially reported that the escort procession was to pass the intersection of highways 20 and 53 at approximately 8 p.m. from Sacramento International Airport. The intent of the gathered veterans was to line the road in tribute in front of the Moose Lodge.
With officers of the Moose Lodge swelling the ranks and supplying beverages and placing a beautiful line of lighted candles along the road edge, Legionnaires of Post No. 437 brought the number to more than 25 for the tribute.
Those dedicated to this task also lined the road edge with Legion and military flags and positioned SUV headlights for illumination and waited.
It was about 9 p.m. when word came that the procession might be an hour late, bringing it to 10 p.m. Some of the elderly participants departed regretfully.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Adjutant Alexander announced word from the California Highway Patrol that the transfer of the casket was delayed and may not reach the specified Moose Lodge destination until after 1 a.m. More weary participants left, more because of the uncertainty than the unwillingness to endure the wait.
By 12:45 a.m., Wednesday morning, June 28, sirens wailed at the crest of Highway 20 and multiple flashing red lights heralded the arrival of an honored personage, Sgt. Jason Buzzard.
As the impressive procession approached, members of the Moose Lodge, also attired in military regalia, and Legionnaires, Commander Rick Ostler at the fore in full honor guard uniform, came to attention rendering a hand salute in tribute in the glow of the candles.
Drivers in the procession flickered their headlights in gratitude. The citizens of Clearlake had stayed the course and represented our regard for a fallen hero, while others slept.
