A Military Funeral
I recently attended a military funeral for my friend's husband: 2LT Mark Procopio. She was serving in Kuwait and he was in Iraq. By an odd twist of fate - his best friend was killed 6 weeks before and he had dated her sister. By another odd "twist of fate", a pastor returning from Rwanda prayed before he boarded a plane to the United States that someone who needed witnessing to would sit next to him on the plane - as you can imagine my friend Erica did. They began to talk towards the END of the trip and she told him she was flying home to bury her husband and how he had died in Iraq - he said: "well, I am a Christian Pastor." and she said: "what denomination?" and he said:"SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST." Erica burst out in tears - her family had not attended an Adventist church for a few years.....she asked him to do the funeral.
The U.S. Army flew him from Colorado - where his church is - and he performed the ceremony. He not only had a sermon in front of her family and friends - but in front of the remaining Green Mountain Boys National Guard (that really is their name) who had not been sent over to varying places, in front of Sen. Pat Leahy -leader of Senate Judiciary Committee, Rep. Bernie Sanders, Gov. Jim Douglass and many other "high - brass" military officials. GOD DOES WORK IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!!
When I saw my friend- dressed like Jackie Kennedy in all black, a hat and a string of pearls - being escorted down the chapel by her brother (in full uniform as well) and her sister Amelia, I lost it and cried for the next 4 hours- yes, Military funerals are long......
My other point for writing this is to state my belief that it is our DUTY to show respect and honor to those fighting this war. There have been many protestors at military funerals in Vermont (being so Liberal as we are); they need to know that their freedom to Protest is what this man died for.
Without trying to get all "quotation-like" I want to say that it was an honor to see how many fine men and women are defending our country - taking the stand to give "their todays for our tomorrows". You may not agree with this war - but you DO NEED to honor the soldier who gives you your PRIVELAGE to NOT support it!!
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051109/NEWS02/511090306/-1/SUMMER&theme
And for my Dad, Crpl. Roger Knowlton: "Semper Fi - Do or Die" United States Marine Corps
Celebrating 230 yrs. of dedicated service.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/6DBB2C04DE0E197A852570B5005E40DD?opendocument
Please keep 2LT. Erica Gilman Procopio and family in your prayers at this time - and one positive note - the military is allowing Erica to finish her enlisted time in Vermont!