I guess we know which issue (gays or wars) is more important.
Thanks, Boston Globe.
"A soldier's 'Climb to glory'; At funeral Mass, family and friends mourn, salute Alex Jimenez" by Jonnelle Marte, Globe Correspondent | July 27, 2008
LAWRENCE - When the mournful sound of bagpipes playing "America the Beautiful" subsided, only sobs and cries could be heard as the body of Army Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jimenez was carried into a church in Lawrence.
One woman's wail echoed above the rest: "Mi niño! Mi niño!" My son! My son!
Jimenez's mother, Maria del Rosario Duran, was among hundreds of mourners who gathered outside St. Mary of the Assumption church yesterday before entering the church for the funeral Mass to say goodbye to Jimenez, 25, who was abducted 14 months ago after insurgents ambushed his convoy in Iraq. His family had held out hope he was being held somewhere and would be released, but their hopes were dashed two weeks ago when his body was found.
The soldier's casket was draped in a white cloth and given one final blessing at the start of the service, which was attended by Governor Deval Patrick, US Representative Niki Tsongas, Democrat of Lowell, and Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, at the church where he made his First Communion.
Yup, and then the governor hustled back to his Berkshire pad!
These politicians make me sick!
If they really cared, then STOP the FUCKING WARS!!!!!!!!!!
These kids are all dying based on a CROCK of LIES!!!!
Outside the church, before the service began, a crowd that included families with children, leather-clad bikers, and military veterans lined up along the road leading to the church. Many held American flags, creating a path outlined by red, white, and blue.
How come antiwar protests that do the same thing don't get coverage in the AmeriKan War Daili...., never mind, readers!
They fell silent as the horse-drawn wagon carrying Jimenez's flag-draped casket approached. A black and purple cloth surrounded the wagon.
No mention of the Pentagon keeping you from photographing the returning coffins, 'eh?
Some people chimed in as "America the Beautiful" was played by a band that followed the casket got louder. Following his disappearance last year, Lawrence and neighboring communities united as one, waiting for information about Jimenez.
"Everybody was hoping together, praying and hoping that they'd find him," said Billy Gallant, 48, of Haverhill, who served in the Army in the 1980s. "I think a lot of people are here for that reason, to show their support."
Mayor Michael Sullivan of Lawrence said the city came together when Jimenez was kidnapped. "They always had hope that the one day would come when Alex would return home," he said during the Mass. "Today, Alex is home."
At the end of the service, Jimenez's parents thanked the community for their support. "Thank you to the whole world who has been there throughout the anger, through the pain, throughout the suffering," said Andy Jimenez, standing by Duran. "And may I add, God bless you."
Another service is planned for Aug. 2 on Long Island in New York, where Jimenez's mother lives, before he is buried in Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, N.Y.
--MORE--"
Question: Did this young man really have to die for George W. Bush's lies?
Should anyone?
