Posted on 07/09/2005 12:50:08 AM PDT by nickcarraway
A heroic soldier from Brooklyn who joined the Army because of the 9/11 terror attacks was buried yesterday, as his two little boys, so stunned that they couldn't even cry, saluted his coffin. Hundreds of other mourners let the tears flow freely at the funeral Mass for Sgt. Manny Hornedo, 27, killed in Iraq's notorious Sunni Triangle when a bomb struck his convoy and ripped through his Humvee.
Hornedo was remembered at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Sunset Park as a devoted father of Manny Jr., 6, and Marcus, 4 — and an unwavering patriot who saw 9/11 as a spur to defend his homeland and his family.
"We sometimes forget that we are called to greater things, to move on to glory," said Edward Kane, the former chaplain of Hornedo's unit, the 47th Infantry.
"We should not be so sad. If his children become half the man their father was, they would do him proud."
Hornedo's mother, Evelyn Crespo, read an emotional poem in which she called him "my life and soul."
Later, at the burial site in nearby Green-Wood Cemetery, there were more tears.
"I love you," sobbed Hornedo's wife, Melissa. "You took a piece of my heart. You know I'll take care of your boys for you."
She clutched her husband's photograph as three Black Hawk helicopters maneuvered over the burial site and a National Guard detail played "Taps."
Brig. Gen. Michael Sweezey then somberly handed Melissa the folded American flag that had been draped over Hornedo's casket and presented Manny Jr. and Marcus with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart awarded to their dad, along with his dog tags.
Earlier, the children had saluted the casket as it was carried from the church. They were surrounded by relatives, friends, men in uniform who celebrated the
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
This has been repeated all around the country and the world. My heart breaks for all of our families. At the same time I am so very thankful to you for sharing your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers as they fight for our safety and freedom for others. I am proud of you all and proud to be an American.
Prayers for Sgt. Manny Hornedo family. Another hero has passed fighting to maintain freedom for Americans & the western way of life.
early morning tears... at least he received a heroes salute in the end. God bless his family and especially his two children.
.
NEVER FORGET
American Soldiers...
fighting for the...
Freedom of others,
those that train them and...
their loved onces who...
wait for them to...
come home...
or not...
are...
......HOLY..!!!
Signed:.."ALOHA RONNIE" Guyer
Veteran="WE WERE SOLDIERS" Battle of IA DRANG-1975
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm
What our American Soldiers are doing on behalf of the Freedom of others in Iraq & Afghanistan is...
......SACRED..!!!
Signed:..RANDALL WALLACE
"WE WERE SOLDIERS" Director, Co-Producer, Screenwriter
http://www.WeWereSoldiers.com
NEVER FORGET
.
.
America =
The Land of Heroes:
http://www.ModernDayHeroes.com/aloha
Hit: 'Resource Center'
Hit: 'Aloha Ronnie'
.
This is so sad. Prayers of comfort for this family. Our heart-felt thanks and appreciation to Sgt. Hornedo for the ultimate sacrifice he made for all of us.
.
England's New KING ARTHUR =
911 Lifesaving Hero RICK RESCORLA
http://www.RickRescorla.com
http://www.strategyzoneonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24361
.
Praise GOD that...
LOVE is the only reality and that...
GOD is LOVE..?
Sacrifice begets Sacrifice...
just for the LOVE of it:
MEL's -PASSION- sparked by -WE WERE SOLDIERS-
http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1085111/posts
.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.