Posted on 07/26/2008 11:27:17 AM PDT by Oshkalaboomboom
Today was the funeral for Army Cpl. Matthew Phillips. Phillips, 27, was just weeks from completing his 15-month tour when he and eight other soldiers were killed in a July 13 attack. They died during a three-hour battle with Taliban militants at a remote base in Afghanistan’s Kunar province.
People started lining the road to his funeral at about noon. By the time his procession was passing, escorted by police and Patriot riders, there was a large crowd on both side of the road as far as I could see. I remember seeing an older lady in a car right behind the hearse (his mother, perhaps?) staring at the crowd with her hand over her mouth, trying to contain her emotions. You could tell she was moved by the show of support from the crowd.
When the procession had passed the crowd melted away but, as they all returned to their cars, it was silent. There was no happy banter, just the solemn movement of a crowd who had said their final goodbyes to an American hero. I took some pictures with my camera phone, I am sure there will be much better ones tomorrow.
Forgive me... name and town, please?
Father... please lay Your hand on these grieving people.
Bring them comfort as they deal with their loss. And
thank you Abba for the fine men and women who bless You
by blessing us with their sacrifice. In Jesus name.
Army Cpl. Matthew Phillips of Cumming, Georgia
It is always a sad event when we have to say goodbye or rather “see you later” to one of our young, fallen heroes. Yet this sad time can also serve to give us hope, knowing, that there are still good and caring people in places like Cumming,Ga.
Thaks for that report, even with the horrible lump in my throat.
This was a hell of a battle and all of our guys aquitted themselves brilliantly and courageously. The enemy failed in their objective, thanks to men like this.
One of the boys from our church, age 24, died in Afghanistan in late June. His funeral was the Sunday of the July 4 weekend. Churches let out early so that we could line the streets for the funeral procession. The church bells rang as teh procession passed. The fire department made an arch with a flag in the middle. One thing that touched me was the absolute silence of the crowd — even small children — as the procession passed.
I imagine we will remember him and his family on July 4 from now on. Looking at all the children from church I teared up knowing that our neighbor’s son and so many like him were standing in the gap for us and our little ones. And the kids’ Sunday School lesson was about “no greater love.”
Thanks you for the link, but it seems the article was written about the people who saw the funeral (nice
patriotic sentiments). I didn’t learn anything about
Cpl. Matthew Phillips, except that he was married.
Journalists these days... aren’t.
Eve Phillips said her husband joined the Army in November 2005. They met in April the following year, when introduced by one of her college roommates, Sara Shanks. She said Shanks grew up next door to her husband and his family in Hall County.
“It was love at first kiss,” she said. “We dated about six weeks before we decided that we wanted to get married.” She said that although her husband was considering continuing his career in the military, they had plans to make their home in Cumming.
A graduate of North Forsyth High School, Eve Phillips now teaches at her alma mater. She said the community has “helped with the healing process and they’ve made his sacrifice more meaningful with their support.” “They have validated the sacrifice that he made,” she said.
Her father-in-law, Michael Phillips of Dawsonville, said the family was grateful for the outpouring of community support.
“It seems like everyone is in pain,” Michael Phillips said. “They’re supporting Matthew. And the reception (Wednesday) at the airport and the motorcade through Gainesville and Forsyth County was overwhelming.
“Matt is a hero. He’s our hero and apparently he’s a hero to a good portion of North Georgia, and that’s so inspiring to us.”
Michael Phillips said the Army also has reached out to them.
“Eve and I have both been assigned a casualty assistance officer and those people have been very responsive and sensitive to the situation,” he said.
A decorated soldier, Matthew Phillips was a member of the Army’s 2nd Platoon, “Chosen Company,” 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat team.
Michael Phillips said his son was confident about his assignment before he deployed, though he knew he was going into a dangerous area.
“We’re finding out things that occurred that he was involved in that we had no idea at the time,” he said. “He was one brave young man and I’m honored to have him as a son.”
Ah.... THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about.
He sounds like a wonderful young man
who left behind a beautiful bride and a
loving family. I’m grateful and humbled.
...Jo
Eve and Matt's mom and dad were so touched by the turn out. You could tell as they drove by, all of them with their hands to their faces, crying.
The church broadcast the service on the loud speaker for anyone standing near the church to hear. Eve received Matt's medals during the service.
The Patriot Guard surrounded the burial site with flags. We were honored to hold 2 of them. My sons made posters that said “Thank You” and “God Bless You” and we were able to stand at a place where they were easily seen by the family.
The Chaplin gave a wonderful graveside service. How special it was with his loud, authoritative voice, telling Matt to rest in peace now, that his brothers were standing watch.
Taps was flawless, the 3 Gun Salute was flawless (forgive me, I don't know what the official name for that is).
The family was very well taken care of, the church family brought in so much food. I know that they all felt the love and appreciation of all in attendance.
Please continue to pray for them all. Matt was killed the day after his new nephew was born. They were going to call him something else, but they decided to call him Matthew.
God Bless Our Troops!!!!!
Thank you for being there for my family, Army Cpl. Matthew Phillips of Cumming, Georgia, may God keep you in his tender loving care.
God Bless Our Troops.
You can upload photos from your computer, and it gives you the codes you need to post them. No registration or anything required.
God blesses America, with men and women like Matt. Thanks for sharing the heart warming details.
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