Posted on 05/08/2008 7:33:40 AM PDT by Badabing Badablonde
The mood at the Bay City Municipal Airport was somber and respectful as over 400 grateful Americans from Bay City and surrounding areas gathered to honor the life and great sacrifice of Cpl. David McCormick when he was returned home from Iraq just after 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 4.
The crowd watched silently and tearfully as McCormick’s family gathered around the flag draped casket to be led in prayer by Dr. Michael Zimmerman, long-time family pastor from First Baptist Church of Bay City.
An honor guard from Fort Sam Houston was sent to welcome their fallen comrade home and will be a constant presence by the side of the casket until McCormick is laid to rest Friday afternoon.
Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald, Bay City Mayor Richard Knapik, Matagorda County Sheriff James Mitchell and other local and county officials were on hand with hundreds of citizens to witness McCormick’s heroic return home.
Many local groups and organizations also were in attendance, including: Bay City Police Department, VFW Post 2438, Bay City American Legion Post 11, local Boy Scouts of America troops, Rio Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, Midfield Volunteer Fire Department, Old Ocean Volunteer Fire Department and many others.
As the procession made its way to the Bay City Funeral Home, the hearse was saluted by veterans lining both sides of the first length of the airport driveway holding large American flags.
The flag-lined driveway was formed by members of the Brazoria County Calvary, Ambassadors for Jesus Christ Motorcycle Ministry and other motorcyclists who joined the group to pay their respects.
Matagorda County Sheriff Department units led the procession north on FM 2540 to Van Vleck, turned west on Texas 35 and ended at Bay City Funeral Home on the corner Avenue K and Sixth Street.
The procession was met with community members gathered in their yards, in parking lots and parked on the side of the road waving flags, saluting and gathered in prayer to show their pride and respect.
Many churches postponed their services Sunday morning to allow members to pay their respects.
David’s older brother, Army cadet Leo William “Will” McCormick, III, said how grateful the family is for the community’s show of support for David.
“We would like to thank each and every individual who showed their support in witnessing David’s arrival home (Sunday) May 4 at the Bay City Municipal Airport,” Will said.
According to Will, David was one who learned by listening and he listened to all those who shared the time to speak with him.
“David was deeply committed to the idea of freedom and that no one be left behind,” said Will.
“In honor of his spirit the McCormick family wishes to extend our warmest invitation to any and all who may wish to show their support for David, our nation, our flag and all those who have sacrificed to assure freedom rings.”
Visitation for David will be open to the public and hosted by the First Baptist Church of Bay City Christian Ministries Center located at 2321 Ave. F.
The public viewing will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 8.
Funeral services honoring David will be held in the First Baptist Church of Bay City sanctuary at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9.
Sanctuary seating will be available on first come, first served basis and attendance overflow will be directed to the Christian Ministries Center where the funeral will be broadcast on closed circuit television.
Bay City Police officers will block traffic on Fourth Street between Avenue F and Avenue H; and on Avenue G from Fifth Street to Third Street to allow for funeral parking.
Anyone attending the funeral will be allowed in that area and police officers will direct parking.
There has been a scholarship established in honor of David’s memory. Anyone who wishes to make a contribution may do so by contacting First Baptist Church of Bay City at (979) 245-5518.
Checks may be mailed to First Baptist Church Bay City; 2321 Ave. F; Bay City; TX; 77414 and made payable to the David P. McCormick Scholarship Fund.
“This has been a tremendously difficult time and the consideration shown by all those present (at the airport) as well as along the route, proves this nation is one worth fighting for,” Will said.
“May God bless his memory and may God bless you all.”
Administrator, please move this if I've posted it in the wrong forum.
Amazing town you’ve got there. Of course, it’s down in Texas, it’s how it has to be.
Thank you. David will be greatly missed. His dad passed away a few years ago, so this family has been thru alot. You just never think your quiet little town will be affected by troubles in another country.
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