Posted on 06/12/2015 2:50:01 PM PDT by nickcarraway
It was an emotional homecoming memorial for a fallen Marine from Southern California killed on a humanitarian mission in Nepal last month, as hundreds of people filled a minor league baseball stadium to remember him.
Draped in an American flag, Sgt. Eric Seaman's casket was carried by uniformed fellow Marines onto The Diamond in Lake Elsinore, where the Lake Elsinore Storm play. His wife, Samantha Seaman, told the mourners, and Eric, that she couldn't believe he chose her to be his wife.
"I'm incredibly thankful you allowed me to be your wife, your best friend and most importantly, that you allowed me to be the mother of our two beautiful children," she said, choking up.
Seaman, 30, was killed in a helicopter crash last month on a rescue and relief mission he volunteered for. He joined the military instead of pursuing a dream of playing football, so it was fitting that Seaman would return to an athletic field in Lake Elsinore.
Samantha Seaman arrived at the field wearing her husband's letterman jacket from Elsinore High School, where he was a football star. She was accompanied by their children, Roman and Riley.
His death affected many in the community where he grow up, with some residents at the memorial offering thanks to him and his family, others saying his children would be watched over.
"I think he kind of symbolizes the good that we all think the military stands for," State Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez said. The Storm created a permanent memorial for Seaman at the stadium's front entrance.
Ping
Pretty tough for the wife,they could have had 40 more wonderful years together.
Active Duty ping.
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