Posted on 09/23/2007 3:28:14 AM PDT by SLB
RADCLIFF — It wasn’t only family and friends who arrived at Stithton Baptist Church in Radcliff on Saturday to honor the memory of Pfc. Sammie Phillips. Some 200 or more Patriot Guard Riders and community members stood outside the church and lined the drive with American flags.
Phillips’ funeral began at 2 p.m., and he was buried at North Hardin Memorial Gardens following the service. The riders and others attended the burial as well, again lining the drive into the cemetery and the path to the graveside.
Phillips, 19, was in the Kentucky Army National Guard. He was killed Sept. 10 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, when his vehicle overturned while conducting a traffic control mission.
Chaplain Jay Padgett told the 1,000 or so in attendance including Gov. Ernie Fletcher, his wife, Glenna, and U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis, R-Cecilia, that they should focus on hope.
“Sometimes we get so caught up in loss that we forget to celebrate life,” he said.
And that was what those in attendance did. Friends including a former babysitter spoke of their favorite memories of Phillips, eliciting tears and laughter from the congregation. Letters from Phillips’ mother, Rachel Crutcher, and his wife, Ashley, were read.
Crutcher’s letter began with her memories of Phillips’ birth.
“He was someone special, and I knew right then that he’d be an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with,” she wrote.
Many laughed when Crutcher’s letter spoke of Phillips getting into trouble as a child, but it said she knew he would grow to be a good man.
Crutcher wrote that she was trying not to be selfish for her loss, but proud that God picked her son to be with him.
“I know you’re in heaven saying, ‘Momma, don’t cry. I got this,’” the letter read.
Ashley Phillips’ letter also spoke of her grief, but said how happy she was to have had three years with him.
“You went from my high school sweetheart to my husband,” she wrote.
A slideshow put together by Ashley Phillips’ sister depicting Phillips throughout his life was played.
Padgett ended the service by telling those gathered that it was OK to cry and grieve. He said as a chaplain, he often asks soldiers with all they do to prepare for combat, if they are prepared spiritually as well.
Padgett said Phillips would have said yes.
A few members of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., who protest soldiers’ funerals and were expected to attend, were across the street from the church, but hardly could be seen or heard because of the large crowd. The protesters left before the funeral ended.
Bless you for being there!
All our best to you from the Maine PGR!
Ms.B
Thanks for the report SLB.
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