Fallen Soldier’s Body is Brought Home to a Heroes’ Welcome

A day of sadness and honor, as the body of Captain Matthew Freeman is returned home to his family and an entire community.

Freeman was hit by machine gun fire supporting combat operations in Afghanistan back on August 7.

Wednesday, a Patriot’s Flight was held, bringing his body from Afghanistan to Savannah, and finally to Richmond Hill so he can be laid to rest this weekend.

It started just after 3 when the plane arrived on the tarmac. Each movement by its crew is slow, meticulous. The plan specifically designed for this moment, the moment when a soldier killed in action comes home.

No detail is missed, from the ramps brought out, to the way the casket is carefully lowered down to the platform.

As the event continues, darkness hovers overhead, the skies grey. A sad scene on one day one family never wanted to come.

On the sidelines, soldiers stand at attention, waiting for the moment when the casket is delivered.

Precision movements of the military honor guard, each detailed, perfect. Its a group who does it so well because they’ve had to do this too many times.

Veterans from various wars surround this military hero, saluting his service and his sacrifice.

Everyone here, military or not silently waits, paying their respect to Captain Matthew Freeman..

As the hearse departs, Freeman’s loved ones take time to reflect and console one another amidst this family tragedy.

As the Patriot’s Flight continues, the motorcade is met by dozens of military personnel on the 165th Airlift Wing Base. All lining the roadway, honoring one of their own taken too soon.

A few minutes later in Richmond Hill, dozens of American flags are held high, as hundreds stand by to say goodbye to one of their own.

The street full of folks, a path of respect for a local hero.

As the people of Richmond Hill stand wrapped with attention, the Patriot Riders rumble by. Veterans on motorcycles that ride to honor a fellow lost soldier…

Then as the hearse passes by, the flags wave, the people stand, the emotions run free. The sadness of the moment is etched on everyone’s face. Americans of all ages taking time out of the day to show their respect.

“As the wife of a soldier it really hits home,“ said an emotional Lori Harrison, the wife of a soldier herself. “It teaches my children honor, respect, community.“

Sandra Anderson says as a military wife herself, its a moment she won’t forget.

“The awesome support of Richmond Hill and the entire community,“ said a weeping Sandra Anderson. “I just wish people would support the soldiers even more, and let them know this is the biggest sacrifice people can make for their country.“
 
A sacrifice everyone in Richmond Hill remembers, especially this day.

Captain Freeman may be gone, but his memory and service will live on forever.

Visitation for Captain Matthew Freeman is set for Friday at Richmond Hill United Methodist Church from 5-8pm.

Freeman’s funeral service will be Saturday at 11am, also at Richmond Hill United Methodist.

The story of the battle in which Captain Freeman died also reveals another hero from our area.  SPC Christopher Lowe of Savannah, was wounded by gunfire while trying to save Captain Freeman.  He is currently recovering from his wounds in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. 

The full story is contained in the blog of SMSGT Rex Temple.

That story can be found at http://afghanistanmylasttour.com/2009/08/11/combat-hero/