March 26, 2009
Eagle Coach’s “Echelon” Coach Used in Multi-National Funeral for African First Lady
White Echelon funeral coach selected and flown to Africa for ceremony
Thousands of mourners gathered in the streets of Gabon to mourn the death of Edith Lucie Bongo, first lady of Gabon. Edith Bongo’s political clout was profound—she was the eldest daughter of Congo’s current President Denis Sassou Nguesso and wife of Gabon’s President Omar Bongo Ondimba. President Bongo Ondimba is Africa's longest-serving leader, ruling the oil-rich, densely forested Gabon since 1967. He married the eldest daughter of Congo's president—Edith Lucie—in 1990.
Edith Bongo, 45, died on Saturday, March 14th from a long but undisclosed illness in a hospital in Morocco. On Monday morning, Eagle Coach Company in Cincinnati got a phone call from officials in the United States representing the government of Gabon. They were looking to obtain a white Echelon Limited funeral coach—Eagle’s premier vehicle—for the ceremony. Eagle Coach’s Atlanta-based dealer – Shields Southeast Sales – had a new white Echelon in stock and immediately available.
Following a flurry of money wiring, title transfers and customs procedures, the Echelon coach was driven to the tarmac at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport and loaded onto a waiting plane, by noon on Tuesday. Upon arrival in the small African country, large crowds of mourners wept on the streets of Gabon's capital as the white hearse carried the coffin from the airport to the presidential palace.
“We were all humbled and honored to supply the funeral coach for such a renowned First Lady,” Mike McKiernan, General Manger of Eagle Coach said. “The Echelon coach is our flagship vehicle, and it was used for its highest calling at Ms. Bongo’s funeral service.”
Edith Bongo was revered as an advocate, political leader and humanitarian against AIDS, which plagues Gabon and Congo. Her political status in both Congo and Gabon created one of Africa’s strongest ties between the two countries. She was laid to rest in her native Northern Congo with a traditional African burial ceremony.
In the past year, Eagle Coach Company has also supplied funeral coaches for the state funeral of New Zealander Sir Edmond Hillary, the first successful climber of Mount Everest, and Matt Maupin, Cincinnati native and national war hero, who was held captive and killed while serving in Iraq .
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About Eagle Coach Company
Since its humble beginnings in 1982, Eagle Coach Company has risen to become arguably the most recognized industry leader in overall quality, style, innovation and customer satisfaction. Eagle Coach builds professional vehicles from start to finish—demanding attention to detail and unrivaled quality. Each year brings groundbreaking advances in the coaches to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the public. Eagle Coach Company is located in Amelia, Ohio.
Media Contact
Marisa Minor
The Eisen Agency
859-291-430
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