CENTERVILLE —
Dear Heartland Citizens,
As an old infantry Marine from the Vietnam War and former citizen of Iowa, but now living in Unionville, Mo., I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and praise for the truly moving honor Centerville gave to Master Sgt. Travis Riddick on Jan. 29. Words cannot describe the tremendous pride I felt in being part of the final farewell for one of America’s fallen heroes.
From the Daily Iowegian, whose tribute to Master Sgt. Riddick has been splendid, to the Lange Funeral Home, whose meticulous planning of the service was second to none, to the army of citizens who helped Mr. Flagman display hundreds of flags along the final journey our hero would travel, and to all those who came to the Simon Estes Auditorium to honor him, I want to say “Thank you! Well done!”
But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention and applaud the numerous law enforcement personnel who gave up there weekend to ensure the service would be peaceful. And, yes, those many Freedom Riders on motorcycles from the Heartland are deserving of our sincere appreciation. Their continued patriotism at the final farewells of our heroes is outstanding.
Though I attended the service with other members of Unionville’s American Legion Post 34, I, as I do on such occasions, wore my Marine dress blues. Because of that, I had the great honor of meeting and sitting among those Marines whose lives Master Sgt. Riddick had touched.
I learned that the Marine we were honoring was larger than life; that he was an exemplary leader whose smile lit up the world. That he loved his Marines and they loved him back; and lastly, that his love for his family came first in his life. He was a hero! He will be missed!
The last words of the Marine Corps Hymn go, “If the Army and Navy ever look on Heavens scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by the United States Marines.” We can be certain Master Sergeant Travis Riddick is there on duty. Thank you Centerville! You’ve done yourself proud!
Semper Fidelis
Duane Crawford
Major, USMC, Retired
Editorials
February 2, 2012
‘Thank you! Well done!’
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