Brownwood, Texas had the honor on Thursday, although filled with mourning, to be the city where another fallen hero, Marine Cpl. Tevan Nguyen, was laid to rest. Funeral services for the Marine were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and he was buried at Indian Creek Cemetery south of Brownwood next to his grandmother. Corporal Tevan Nguyen from Hutto, Texas made the ultimate sacrifice December 28, 2010 during combat operations in Afghanistan. He leaves behind numerous family members including an infant son, Tevan Lee Nguyen Jr.
The funeral procession was greeted by miles of people standing by the highway, many waving American flags, to show their respect, honor, and support for Cpl. Nguyen and those he left behind.
Not only did the citizens of Brownwood show their support, but city officials, State Representative Jim Keffer, veterans in a wide range of age groups, a sidewalk full of Brownwood Intermediate students, and complete strangers came to help family members and friends mourn the loss.
The Patriot Guard Riders, motorcyclists from all across the state of Texas, were in Brownwood for the service as well. They came to show their “unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security”. Representatives of the group said that they were asked to attend the services by the casualty assistance officer that is assigned to the family. The group was also notified that there may be protesters from an anti-military group present and made the trip to accomplish two things: to show sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities and to shield the services and family members from interruptions created by such groups.
“We help shield the family from seeing any of the protesters in a non confrontational way,” stated Robert Stancil, Austin Area Deputy State Captain of the PGR.
Stancil also noted that although not all PGR members are veterans, they all have the utmost respect for military and travel to military funerals across the country through their national association. The group that showed up in Brownwood was over 100 in number. Many of them were from the Midland/Odessa area, Austin, Killeen, Temple as well as other areas and are from all walks of lives.
Although law enforcement officials said that no protesters were present, officers made a strong showing with the Brownwood Police and Brown County Sheriff’s Office on alert to make sure the services were not interrupted and that the family could mourn in peace.
Texas Representative Jim Keffer also attended the funeral to honor the fallen Marine.
“I am glad to see the Patriot Guard here”, stated Keffer. “It’s great for the family.”
Representative Keffer brought a special gift for the family, a flag that has been flown over the Texas Capital building in Austin in honor of Cpl. Nguyen. When asked if he had troubles fitting the services into his busy schedule, Keffer stated that it was an occasion that we need to be present for, suggesting that he would have rearranged his schedule to honor the fallen hero.
Another special visitor, David Hall with the Liberty and Law Foundation’s traveling replica Liberty Bell, came from Fort Worth to honor Cpl. Nguyen and his family.
“This is the Nation’s only exact replica Liberty Bell that travels and is dedicated to traveling to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our Liberty,” stated Hall.
Hall stood for approximately an hour, solemnly tolling the bell and holding his hand over his heart as the sound radiated out. The bell is inscribed with a Bible verse that states, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” – Leviticus 25:10.
The bell is also flanked by two tablets of the Ten Commandments which, according to the organization “are not there as a religious statement of do’s and don’ts but rather represent ‘respect for authority’ and the ‘foundation of moral law‘ upon which American culture is built. There is no Liberty without Law”.
A very close high school friend of Cpl. Nguyen, Brad Leikam, was at the funeral and spoke of memories the two had together and of Nguyen’s character.
“He was just morally sound, never even cursed,” stated Leikam. “He was the poster boy of whatever he needed to be.”
According to Leikam Nguyen enlisted in the Marines his junior year of high school and was on active duty after graduating in 2007.
Leikam recounted the pride Nguyen had over the news he was going to be a father.
“He was so happy,” stated Leikam. “The baby was his pride and joy.”
Leikam stated that Nguyen was able to be present for his namesake’s birth and spend the first 9 days of his son’s life together with him.
After the funeral services, the procession was led south of the city by Brownwood Police escort to Indian Creek Cemetery, where Cpl. Nguyen was laid to rest. Along the route to the cemetery, hundreds if not thousands of supporters lined the roadway with flags and signs as a tribute of support and thanks for his sacrifice. A hero was truly celebrated.
{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=245|
limitstart=0|limitcount=1|detail=0|displayname=1|
displaydetail=1|imageshadow=shadow1}
