Honor Mission
Kenneth H. Bailey
US Army
WW II Veteran
Delmar, NY - 12/09-10/2024
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
Patriot Guard Riders has been requested by the family to participate in the military honors funeral for their beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather – Kenneth H. Bailey – aka – Sir Ken.
Sir Ken Bailey was drafted into the Army in November 1942. After a brief flirtation with US Army Harley Davidsons, he was trained in the operation of military scout vehicles – most notably the M20 and M8 armored vehicles with 37mm guns.
Ken’s 4th Cavalry unit came ashore in Normandy on D-Day +6. Ken was especially adept at not only making battlefield repairs to his vehicles to keep them operational, but he had a flair for “MacGyver-ing” many of these vehicles to perform in ways not previously contemplated. Ken got the attention of his company commander and then he became the “Colonel’s” driver and right-hand man through to the end of the war.
Ken’s WW II wartime experience took him through the Normandy beachhead – then on to the Battles for Cherbourg, Saint Lo, liberation of Paris, liberation of Brussels, Liege, Hurtgen Forest, Luxembourg, the Ardennes, Battle of the Bulge, on to the Rhineland and Central Europe, and finally Harz Mountains.
Ken was witness to and a participant in the most horrific battles in US Army history. He achieved the rank of Tec 5. How he seemed to remain unscathed by these experiences only adds to his legend. He was truly one the of our “Greatest Generation” heroes.
Ken married his beloved Florence just prior to entering the Army, on October 4, 1942 – a love story for the ages. Out of that union came children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After 40 years, Ken retired from Orange Ford Dealership. In 2015 received the French Legion of Honor and was knighted to be Sir Kenneth H. Bailey.
In the last years of his elderly life, Sir Ken became an honorable and much sought after fixture in and around the Capital District – deservedly so. He represented what was best about his generation. A man of unflappable integrity, honesty and decency.
It was an honor and an experience of a lifetime to have been in his orbit. He will be greatly missed.
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
12/09/2024 at 02:30pm
Staging Location:
Applebee Funeral Home
403 Kenwood Ave,
Delmar, NY 12054
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Bill Schaaf
518-542-0608
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 15, May 2024
The CDC has changed its COVID-19 protocol recommendations for 2024, updating them to reflect the changing severity and transmission of the virus. Please click here for the latest information and continue to practice common sense distancing protocols while in enclosed locations.
Special Information:
PGR will hold a flag line during the calling hours of 3:00 - 7:00 pm, for the arrival of family and friends. More information will be available during the briefing.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
12/10/2024 at 10:30am
Second Location:
Applebee Funeral Home
403 Kenwood Ave,
Delmar, NY 12054
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Bill Schaaf
518-542-0608
Second Stage - Special Information:
PGR will stage a flag line at the funeral home for the arrival of family and friends. 11:00am - Funeral services will be held at the funeral home. PGR will participate in the dignified transfer prior to the escort to the cemetery.
CAUTION - It's December - cold - not so cold - at this time of year make smart decisions as to whether to ride your motorcycle or not.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
yes
Third Staging Date and Staging Time:
12/10/2024 at 12:00pm
Third Location:
Bethlehem Cemetery
286 Kenwood Ave
Delmar, NY 12054
Third Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Bill Schaaf
518-542-0608
Third Stage - Special Information:
Upon arrival at the cemetery, PGR will re-set a flag line and participate in the dignified transfer and the military honors funeral.
Is there a Fourth Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Bill Schaaf
rs 12/03; MER
