This General went around and shook every hand. Someone said he is General Livingston.
We stood in the hot sun while people came to pay their respects, then while the mass was going on.
I couldn't take the heat and went under the shade near the church. The most amazing thing happened. Alex's father came out and thanked the people standing there. He wanted us to pass on is thank you to everyone there because it meant a lot to the family. One of the men standing near me said "It's our honor to do it."
I was amazed to see so many in full dress uniform, military and troopers along with many others, wondering how they could take that kind of heat when I had a lot less on than they did, but was ready to pass out. Remarkable people!
When I did the post the other day about When They Can Ask No More of Us, this is part of what I was talking about. It was done to honor Spec. Miller but also to honor his family. We get to go home and spend time with our lives but they have to carry on missing one of their own and that, that's heartbreaking. So many others stood there in the burning heat, brought water bottles to share as they acted to take care of this fallen soldier and his family. It was moving beyond words.
Fallen Clermont Soldier, 21, Laid To Rest Today
Sunday, August 09, 2009 8:32:11 AM
CLERMONT -- The family and friends of a Lake County soldier killed in Afghanistan will say their final goodbyes Sunday.
Funeral services are scheduled at 2:30 p.m. Sunday for Army Specialist Alexander Miller, 21, who died earlier in the month after his unit was attacked by enemy forces.
The military brought back Miller’s remains to Orlando International Airport Friday. His body was then taken home to Lake County.
A visitation service for Miller runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed immediately by his funeral, both at the First United Methodist Church, located at 950 7th St., in Clermont.
Members of the Patriot Guard of Florida salute the family of Alexander J. Miller as they enter the First United Methodist Church of Clermont on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, for his memorial service. (Emily Jourdan for the Orlando Sentinel / August 9, 2009)
Clermont soldier's funeral draws overflow crowd
By Stephen Hudak
Sentinel Staff Writer
5:04 PM EDT, August 9, 2009
CLERMONT - Friends and relatives are gathering this afternoon to remember Army Spc. Alexander J. Miller of Clermont, who was killed July 31 in Afghanistan.
An overflow crowd turned out for visitation for Miller, 21, at First United Methodist Church of Clermont, where the funeral will follow at 2:30 p.m.
Miller, who attended East Ridge High in Clermont, died from injuries sustained after insurgents used rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire to attack his unit. He was with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), based in Fort Drum, N.Y.
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i just found you blog via Chaplain Lyle Schmeiser, who is like a dad to me.
ReplyDeletei too attended the funeral mass for the hero SPC Miller. i also rode in on a motorcycle. i am a minister wearing he biker for Christ patch and often run into those good folks with the patriot guard as well as the nam knights.
keep doing what you have been called to do.
you are loved
Brother Frankie
A Biker for Christ
(feel free to email me)
Thank you very much Brother Frankie, I'm only able to do what God puts in me and what He is willing to put up with me in the process.
ReplyDeleteAs a minister, you are doing what you have been called to do as well and I thank you for that. As for Lyle, I have not know many as dear as he is.