Charlie Kirk Memorial Speaker Line-up

🚨 BREAKING: Turning Point USA has officially announced the speaker lineup for Charlie Kirk’s MASSIVE memorial this coming Sunday

And it’s STACKED! 🔥

- Trump
- Vance
- Tulsi
- RFK Jr.
- Erika Kirk
- Hegseth
- Stephen Miller
- Tucker Carlson

& more

This will be an EPIC… pic.twitter.com/teGMsfVdHj

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 16, 2025

Last Mile Motorcycle Hearse Company

Above, the trailer containing the motorcycle hearse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While Mitch Geriminsky and I were staying at a motel when we attended the National Money Show in Phoenix, we saw an interesting trailer.

It was for a hearse of Last Mile Motorcycle Hearse Company. If a loved one is to go out in style, this would be a way to do it.

Above, the hearse. Photo by Armand Vaquer

The hearse plays music and can display a photo of the deceased. 

The operators were putting the wheel fenders on the hearse and we walked over to chat with them. They are based in Las Vegas, Nevada and can go pretty much anywhere in the Western United States. They were in town for a funeral service.

According to their brochure, their services include:

• H2 Hummer Pulled Coach
• Casket or Urn
• Music Included
• UrnArk Included 

For more information, go to www.LastMileMHC.com. 

 

Back In Riverside

Above, Maria and Fred at the Yard House. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday evening, my train back to New Mexico was scheduled to depart Riverside Station at 7:18.

My cousin Maria and her husband Fred drove me to Riverside to catch the train and to pay a visit to Aunt Gloria's grave at Riverside National Cemetery to leave a floral cross there from the funeral services.

We got there after a half-hour drive from Wildomar and we didn't have too much difficulty in locating the grave (made easier by the removal of sod from it).

We left the floral cross and took some photos while there.

Then, after that was done, we headed into downtown Riverside to find a place to have dinner. It was complicated by the lack of indoor dining at the city's restaurants, but we eventually did find one. It was at the Yard House restaurant.

After dinner, they dropped me off at the Riverside Station to catch the Amtrak train to Gallup.

Some photos:

Aunt Glo's Funeral In Riverside and Getting There

Above, the priest reading over the final rites at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After about a 13-hour train ride, I am back home from attending my Aunt Gloria's funeral service.

She passed away April 4, but due to COVID-19, there were no funeral services or burials at Riverside National Cemetery (this was likely the same at other national cemeteries). So, things were put on hold until last week.

We met up at the mortuary for the rosary and funeral services and then migrated over to Riverside National Cemetery for the interment. The temperature sign at the mortuary was a little bit inaccurate, but not by too much. It was very hot outside.

Above, the temperature sign at the mortuary. It was off, but not by much. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the ceremonies, my cousin Maria and I went over to my parents grave and placed flowers there.

Then, we all headed to Maria's in Wildomar for a gathering of family members and friends. All of my aunt's siblings families were represented.

My trip to Wildomar was goofed up a bit as I took the Amtrak train from Gallup, New Mexico with the intention of going to Fullerton, California and taking a bus from there to Riverside Station. This was a bizarre schedule as I would have had a four-hour layover in Fullerton before the bus ride. The bizarre part was that the train stopped at Riverside Station. I could have gotten off the train there, but I didn't want to make the wait longer before my cousin picked me up.

What happened was that at Fullerton Station, I got down to the lower level of my train car, but the doors didn't open. It seems that it depends upon what car a traveler is on if that car's doors are opened. I should have gone to a different car. But I had no idea of this. So, I ended up going to Union Station in Los Angeles to get a train back to Fullerton. It was about an hour and a half wait before the Fullerton train departs.

I got on the train and made sure I exited at Fullerton. My cousin's husband Fred was at the station when I arrived as, luckily, he had some business to do in Fullerton.

It was worth going to Union Station as I have never been inside of it before. It is a beautiful historical building. Thankfully, everything worked out just fine after all.

Some photos:

Above, the Gallup Station gate to the tracks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the arrival of the train at Gallup Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside the train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the train snack bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the main lobby of Union Station in Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, waiting for the Fullerton train to arrive. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the pond and waterfall at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the priest officiating at Riverside National Cemetery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Aunt Gloria's urn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, cousin Maria at my parents' grave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, your truly at my parents' grave. Photo by Maria Malone.

Above, the flowers and headstone of my parents. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Aunt Gloria in July 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

John McCain's Pallbearers: Only 2 Republicans

It is interesting to note in the list of pallbearers for Sen. John McCain, except for Phil Gramm and Tom Ridger, no other Republicans are listed among them.

Pallbearers at McCain’s funeral in DC on Saturday will include:

—Warren Beatty
—Joe Biden
—Phil Gramm
—Michael Bloomberg
—Russ Feingold
—Carla Eudy
—Tom Ridge
—Gary Hart
—Mark Salter
—Fred Smith
—Sheldon Whitehouse
—Vladimir Kara-Murza

Actually, it really shouldn't be a surprise. McCain has been a RINO for most, if not all, of his political career. In 2008, my vote for the McCain-Palin ticket was primarily for Sarah Palin. If she wasn't chosen as McCain's running mate, I would have held my nose and voted for McCain anyway as Obama was a Marxist.

The Duke and The King

This morning, I received an email about an article on an Army buddy of Elvis Presley that was posted in The Jackson Sun.

It is an interesting read, but what caught my eye was this section concerning Presley's funeral:

While Frankie Lax didn’t realize who his father’s friend was when they hung out, he began to realize the cultural effect Elvis had as an artist when he died. 

“Everybody remembers where they were when they heard Elvis died,” Frankie Lax said.
Frankie was a paper boy for The Sun in 1977 and had just finished his route in Bemis before stopping at Morgan’s Service Station for a grape Nehi. 

“They announced it on the radio while I was in there, and I went home, and Mama told me Daddy said to get cleaned up because we were going to Memphis,” Frankie Lax said.
Frank Lax got home and cleaned up, and they went to Graceland. 

“We got there, and this was maybe three or four hours after news had gotten out that he’d died, and I couldn’t believe the crowd that had gathered outside his gates,” Frankie Lax said. “Elvis’ uncle was his security guy who let people in, and he knew Daddy and waved us in. 

“There were so many people in the house, and Daddy told me to sit down in that first room on that long couch you see when you take the tour. And I sat there, got up and wandered around some, talked with his daughter Lisa Marie. I didn’t know then what I was a part of. I was just a 13-year-old kid sitting in the home of a man who’d died that afternoon.” 

Two days later Frankie Lax returned with his father to Graceland for Elvis’ funeral. He said he didn’t need to be educated to be in awe of the people that day. 

“There were all these celebrities there,” Frankie Lax said. “And to be a 13-year-old boy in the 1970s who grew up watching westerns, it was a big thing for me when I saw John Wayne at the funeral.”

Over the years, I've read conflicting reports about John Wayne being at Presley's funeral. Some said he was there, others said he wasn't. At least now there's a eyewitness confirming he was there.

This got me to wondering if Wayne and Presley ever met. According to Elvis's road manager, Joe Esposito, the two did cross paths several times in the 1960s when Elvis was making movies.

Above, Joe Esposito and Elvis Presley at Memphis Airport in 1974.

According to the Elvis Presley Expert blog:

Joe Esposito claims that Elvis, who admired John Wayne greatly, met John Wayne several times on the studio lot and on one occasion sat down together to share a meal during a break in filming. At one point John Wayne introduced Elvis to his son Patrick Wayne who starred in several of John Wayne’s films. 

It is left up to our imagination what the conversation(s) consisted of. But, one thing is clear and that is that Elvis liked John Wayne and vice versa.

To read more, go here.

Abraham Lincoln's Long Goodbye

Above, a replica of Abraham Lincoln's casket at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The final journey from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois of President Abraham Lincoln began on April 21, 1865.

Lincoln's funeral train took a long route that was almost 1,700 miles long. It took 13 days to complete the journey. The funeral train stopped at major cities and state capitals along the way.

CBS Sunday Morning posted a video on YouTube telling the story of Lincoln's funeral train. It is an interesting video that Lincoln scholars and history buffs will find interesting.

Here's the video:

Forest Lawn and Pro Bass Shops Outdoor World

Today was spent out in Covina and later Fontana for the funeral services for my cousin Lucia's husband Jeff at Forest Lawn at Covina Hills. To me, the hills will always be known as Kellogg Hills.

The services were set for noon but arrived there at about 10:45 so that I could find the grave of a friend and fraternity brother, Larry Whisenhunt. As I had mentioned previously, I knew Larry since high school and he appeared in the 1972 science-fiction movie, Silent Running as one of Bruce Dern's robot drones. He was profiled in the 1980s show, Real People.

I took down the grave's location from Forest Lawn's website and presented it to the girl at the entrance information booth. She marked the location on a map and after that, I was off.

Above, Larry Whisenhunt's grave marker. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I arrived at the section where the grave is at and it took me about 10 minutes to find it. Once I did, I went back to my car to get a towel to clean Larry's grave marker and took some photos, one of which is above.

Above, Larry Whisenhunt around the time of the filming of Silent Running.

After a few minutes, I headed down to the Church of Our Heritage, where the funeral services for Jeff was to be held.

The services were nice and included a video slideshow of Jeff's life. Following the services, we went to the columbarium to where Jeff's urn would be interred.

Following the internment, we proceeded to my cousin's home in Fontana for a reception. Along the way, I spotted the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Rancho Cucamonga store. I decided that would stop there before heading home.

This I did and I was impressed with the size of the store. I almost was going to stop in their Memphis store last year, but since I was driving The Beast and was unsure about the parking situation there (the store is in a big pyramid), I decided to skip it.

Above, the main entrance to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Rancho Cucamonga. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Rancho Cucamonga store has everything for the outdoorsman from boating, camping, fishing, guns/hunting, clothing, restaurants, electronic shooting gallery and displays. I looked around for a while and decided that I would return when I had more time. It was a very impressive store and worth a trip out to Rancho Cucamonga to visit. Their prices were more reasonable than I expected. I bought a Bass Pro Shops baseball cap to wear on my upcoming trip to see the eclipse.

Some more photos of the inside of Bass Pro Shops Rancho Cucamonga store:

Above, it appears the tables were turned for this tourist. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the exit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the exterior looked like a hunting lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a display of vintage camping equipment. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, there's plenty of apparel for him and her. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another view of the first floor clothing section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the upstairs camping department. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a display of mule deer near the camping department. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Chores Done

Above, the Mustang all cleaned. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Several chores got completed this morning before the outside temperatures begin to be stifling.

First, I headed off the the local recyclers to bring in several bags of bottles and cans. They managed to accumulate over several months. It was interesting to unload the bags with bees all over the place, but they didn't bother me.

Next, I headed off to the car wash to get the Mustang cleaned for tomorrow's funeral service for my cousin Lucia's husband Jeff. It will be held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills. While there, time permitting, I will look up the grave of a friend, Larry Whisenhunt. Larry was a fellow fraternity brother in college (even though we knew each other since high school) and appeared in the movie, Silent Running as one of Bruce Dern's drone robots.

After that, I headed off to the gas station to fill the Mustang's gas tank.

Meanwhile, while I was doing all this, Sierra was guarding the front door to my apartment.

Above, my guard cat Sierra at her post by the front door. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Reagan Tomb

Above, the Reagan tomb at the Reagan Library. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not too long after former President Ronald Reagan was entombed at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, my mom, daughter Amber and I paid a visit to the Library and tomb.

While there, my mom and I had a "vigorous discussion" on how the President was interred (much to the amusement of Amber). I had a good idea on how by looking at the tomb's construction. Turns out I was right.

An article appeared by a worker involved in the interment of Reagan and gave details on how the tomb was designed. It is an interesting design.

What you see is the top portion of the tomb. Most of it is below it at about seven feet. To access the tomb's door, a concrete walkway has to be torn out and ground has to be excavated away.

When Reagan was entombed, his casket was placed in an oversized burial vault. It was oversized not because Reagan was a big man, it was due to the very ornate casket. The vault with the casket inside was difficult to move into the tomb due to the weight. But, the workers came up with a method of getting the vault inside and positioned: ice. They covered the floor with crushed ice and it made it easier to move the vault in and position it. It was pushed on top of the ice.

After this was done, the door was re-sealed and the earth was bulldozed back to cover it up and a new concrete walkway was installed.

There's room inside the tomb for two, as Nancy Reagan will be entombed inside later this week. 

In Riverside Today

Above, Riverside National Cemetery with the snow-capped San
Gabriel Mountains in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems like each time our family goes to Riverside National Cemetery to lay to rest a family member, those occasions always seem to fall on a beautiful clear day with gorgeous views of the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains.

Again, we gathered at the cemetery in Riverside, California to lay to rest my Aunt Rose. It was cold and windy out, but the views of the mountains were spectacular.

The ceremony was brief and personal. Following the service, my aunt's urn was taken to my Uncle Ralph's grave to be buried with him.

Prior to the services for my aunt, I paid a visit to my parents' grave (photo above). I had not been there since the funeral of Denise Geriminsky in April 2010. 

Have To Buy A New Suit

Well, I had to say farewell today to my blue suit. I've had it for about six years.

At my aunt's funeral yesterday, I noticed that the jacket was apparently attacked by Mothra as there were holes in the fabric in different areas. That's why I kept on my wool overcoat.

I went to Tarzana cleaners today to see if they could fix it, but it was too far gone. Even if they were able to, it would have cost me around $35 per hole. There were three just in one area. So, I told them to just chuck it.

The Perfect Send-Off

Just because Grandpa died doesn't mean he can't still go camping with the family!

End of Life Funeral Preparation On The Rise In Japan

Above, a traditional-style Japanese cemetery in Niigata. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With a rapidly aging population, Japan's funeral industry is "extremely active" these days. Japan's elderly are planning their own funeral preparations.

According to an article in RT.com, Japan's population is expected to shrink by over 30 million over the next 50 years, but funeral industry-related businesses quadrupled between 2000 and 2013.

The article states:

Trying out a coffin, posing for a tombstone photo, and simulating the scattering of one's own ashes into the ocean: Japan’s elderly are taking funeral preparations into their own hands, with ‘end of life’ preparations gaining popularity in the country.

The article includes some innovative tombs now available for "occupancy" in Tokyo. Included are mult-storey, vault-style interactive graveyards. These just may become the next big thing in Japanese tourist attractions.

I bet you're just "dying" to read the article, so go here. There's also plenty of photos.

Services For Steve Born

Funeral services for Steve Born have been announced:

Services for Steve Born will be held Saturday, October 29, at 10 AM
at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery
22601 Lassen Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Go to Topanga Canyon Blvd. from either the 101 or 118 (Ronald Reagan) Freeways and then go WEST on Lassen Street until it ends right at the cemetery entrance.)

Clamper attire for the Brothers!

Today...

Today, my mom was laid to rest.

It has been an incredible six weeks. It all started around Christmas when my mom's final illness began (although, at the time, we had no idea that it would be so final). The days were like an out-of-control roller-coaster.

I couldn't have made it through these past weeks without the help and support of family and friends. Despite being scattered all over Southern California, they all came together in crisis. I am forever grateful.

I have to thank my cousin Maria for putting together the reception at her home in Wildomar, California (near Lake Elsinore). She has been my guiding hand these past weeks. (If anyone has photos of today's activities, please send me copies so I can post them here.) To all who brought the refreshments, another big thank-you!

My cousin Rosemarie gave a beautiful eulogy at the services. A big thank you to her! Coincidentally, the service shelter at Riverside National Cemetery was the same one we had my dad's services ten years ago.

I couldn't be any more pleased with the job Lorenzen Mortuary of Reseda, California did for my family. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them if anyone in the San Fernando Valley is in need of their services.

It has been an exhausting day. Although exhausted, I needed to unwind. When I got home this evening, I found in my mailbox a DVD of Adventures of Superman/George Reeves rarities from Michael J. Hayde, author of Flights of Fantasy. That was just what the doctor ordered. Great stuff! Thanks, Mike!

Above, extended stock flying scenes of George Reeves, including this one, were in the DVD in today's mail.

I still have some items that need to be removed from my mom's apartment. I hope to have this completed this weekend.

Thanks to everyone who made this difficult day a much easier one!

Funeral Tomorrow

Funeral Tomorrow

As a reminder, Mom's funeral tomorrow will start at 1:15 PM at Riverside National Cemetery.

First, we will assemble at a staging area designated by the cemetery (you will get the information on the staging area at the guard shack at the cemetery's entrance). From there, we will be led to either the gravesite (where my dad is already buried) or a services kiosk. It is unclear at present where the services will be held.

You can reach the cemetery from either the 91 Freeway (go east after exiting) or Interstate 215 (go west after exiting) at the Van Buren Ave. exit in Riverside.

I will be getting to the cemetery at least an hour early so I can discuss the grave marker inscription with cemetery officials. It should be a beautiful day tomorrow with fresh snow on the mountains. Mom would've liked that!

Anyone who wishes to speak during the services are welcome to do so.

Following the services, we will proceed to Maria and Fred Malone's in Wildomar (Lake Elsinore area) for a get-together. All attendees are invited. Fliers will be handed out at the services on how to get there (we will caravan there anyway). From what Maria tells me, it is only about 20 minutes away from the cemetery. They know a shortcut via Scott Road.

We'll see you tomorrow.