Friday, October 16, 2009

Honoring a Fallen Soldier

SGT Aaron Smith, US Army, a native of Manhattan, Kansas, died on October 2, 2009, in Wardak province, Afghanistan, as a result of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. SGT Smith was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), at Fort Drum, N.Y. He was laid to rest at the Fort Leavenworth post cemetery on Friday, October 16, 2009.

I had the honor of standing at the curb on Grant Avenue, the main post road, along with an estimated 2,000 soldiers and civilians, when Sgt. Smith’s funeral procession arrived on post. Many of us were holding American flags. I was standing with my family. My sons and I wore our scout uniforms, which felt at once out-of-place and perfectly suited for the occasion, as we were surrounded by soldiers in uniform.  We joined in to salute SGT Smith as his funeral procession rolled past.  It was an opportunity to teach my children how to honor a fallen soldier. It was an opportunity to tell Sgt. Smith’s parents “Thank you.” Nothing will replace their son, but they deserved our support. An e-mail from the officer assigned to the family for the funeral stated that Sgt. Smith’s parents were overwhelmed by the support that they have received.

Since we live a short drive from Topeka, Kansas, and the Westboro Baptist Church, the funeral was escorted by the Patriot Guard, an amazing group of volunteers who use their motorcycles and American Flags to create a shield between the hateful sights and sounds of WBC protests and the families mourning for their fallen children. There had to be at least 100 motorcycles in the funeral procession, probably more.  I am grateful for their creativity and generosity in support for our service men and women who lose their lives in battle. 

If you can, say a prayer for Sgt. Smith and his parents.

8 comments:

TobyBo said...

I have prayed for his family and am glad you could honor him.

Kellie said...

What a great thing to do with your kids. I commend you for taking the time. We are praying for my brother-in-law who is in the army, stationed right outside of Baghdad until Jan...maybe Feb. His unit has taken a few hard hits.

Anonymous said...

i will think of him. but prayers are useless.

CrossView said...

Good job, Dad! And those PGR's? I LOVE what they do!

Linda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linda said...

Okay, I see how I spelled someones'. I'm not stupid, just sleepy. :)

Linda said...

corrected: Dear 'Anonymous', Perhaps your opinions are better left somewhere else. Is this the time to correct someone's religious beliefs? You have much in common with the war protestors at the funeral.

Linda said...

Good grief. I did it again. Hey Arby, how about just leaving my comments off this time, okay?
I need a nap..... or maybe just more coffee....