 Vermonters turned out along roadsides this morning in tribute to a fallen Vermont soldier.
The remains of National Guard Specialist Ryan Grady were returned to Burlington today, and then driven to St. Johnsbury where funeral services are planned for the end of the week.
Grady was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan two weeks ago.
Guard members stood at attention in salute to Grady's sacrifice as the procession left the guard base. Civilians gathered along the route in South Burlington. Hundreds more are lining the streets in St. Johnsbury to pay their respects when Grady's body arrives there this afternoon.
Those hundreds included me. I've never seen one of these before.
After watching the procession led by Vermont State Police and St Johnsbury police vehicles and the rear brought up by a group of combat veteran motorcycle riders pass between the St. Johnsbury Fire Department's engine and trucks on Main Street, I managed, by walking at a brisk clip, to arrive at the funeral home in time to see the honor guard carry Ryan Grady's casket inside.
A coterie of mourners stood off to one side, two of them in military uniforms. It struck me that these men were Ryan Grady's father and brother.
In the arms of another man who was fighting back tears, a small child was crying.
Funeral arrangements for Ryan Grady are as follows:
The wake will be held on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the North Congregational Church in St.Johnsbury.
His funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the same church. Both are open to the public.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, sed dulcius pro patria vivere, et dulcissimum pro patria bibere. Ergo, bibamus pro salute patriae."
Thank you for your service, Ryan Grady.
I have nothing further. |
