Posted on 04/16/2003 6:18:54 AM PDT by djharley67
Dracut bids hero farewell: State's first war casualty is laid to rest
by Tom Farmer Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Sadly pondering the immeasurable price of freedom, the town of Dracut solemnly and proudly bid farewell yesterday to the first Massachusetts serviceman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom as Specialist Mathew G. Boule was laid to rest amid the crack of rifle volleys and the piercing notes of ``Taps.''
Wiping away tears and with the comforting hands of one of her sons on her shoulders, Boule's mother, Suellen, and her husband, Leo, accepted the Bronze Star and Purple Heart from Brig. Gen. Stephen Ferrell next to the flag-draped casket containing their 22-year-old son.
Boule was one of five soldiers killed April 2 when their Blackhawk helicopter crashed about 50 miles south of Baghdad.
``He was a rocket,'' said the Rev. Paul Clifford, ``and helicopters could barely contain what he wanted to do. Lift Mathew up Lord, to be the best that he can be, to be that rocket that soars. Never to head back, never to fall again.''
Boule was the crew chief for the helicopter that went down during offensive operations but was apparently not shot down.
``They are still investigating to determine what happened,'' said Ferrell. ``It was night at the time and I can tell you the conditions are extremely difficult (in Iraq.)''
As crew chief, Boule was the glue that held the crew together, the general said. ``It's basically his bird,'' Ferrell said. ``He just lets the pilots fly it.''
The general said he had previously served with the 3rd Infantry Division to which Boule and his comrades were assigned.
``I spoke to some of the commanders that knew him and they said he was a great kid,'' Ferrell said. ``They said he was one of those soldiers who always had a smile on his face and was always upbeat. He was always positive and never down.''
Mourners, including Gov. Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, Attorney General Tom Reilly and U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan (D-Lowell), packed St. Francis Church in Dracut, where a 10th Mountain Division honor guard ceremoniously removed and folded an American flag from Boule's silver casket.
Boule was brought into the church to the accompaniment of ``America the Beautiful,'' emotionally sung by more than 60 men and women from the church choir who filled parts of 10 rows.
The choir also brought tears with its version of ``God Bless America'' when Boule was taken from the church to the waiting honor guard that redraped the casket with the Stars and Stripes.
``He was doing what he wanted to do,'' said Meehan. ``He had a commitment to his country and he made that commitment.''
Flags and yellow ribbons line the lengthy route to Oakland Cemetery, where Boule was buried with full military honors. Flags on public buildings stood at half-staff and dozens of people stopped what they were doing to watch as the funeral procession rolled by.
One young woman stood with a sign while her toddler-aged daughter waved a small American flag. ``Thank you Matt,'' the sign read. ``Rest in Peace.''
Boule also leaves two brothers, Michael and Kristopher, his sister, Wendy Mendonca, and his grandparents, George and Jeanette Boule.
I live in Dracut Mass,the church is right up the road from me. John Oganowski(SP)the pilot of one of the 9/11 planes that hit the twin towers had his service there as well. It AMAZES me the turnout for these two AMERICANS. Turnout was extremely high. Unfortunately I was unable to attend, but have sent a condolence card to the family of Matt.
TED KENNEDY and JOHN KERRY were not present at this service. Governor Mitt Romney did ATTEND this. TED KENNEDY and JOHN KERRY did however ATTEND a service in Lawrence Mass for the young hispanic boys who drowned in the Merrimack river this past winter because their parents were too busy to watch them. What is wrong with these two?.....My guess is "no votes no show".
Thank you for this post, djh. It's heartening to see communities come together for their troops. Rest in peace, Specialist Mathew G. Boule.
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