Friends, family and several dignitaries have been attending services in Springfield today for the local Marine killed in the shooting at a naval reserve center in Tennessee earlier this month.The sign at the entrance to the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam reads “The price of freedom is visible here.” The honor Marine Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan earned was resoundingly visible Monday.
People young and old lined the streets outside Holy Cross Church where a private funeral service was held in the morning. Maureen O’Donnell says she lives down the street.
“It was devastating,” O’Donnell said of her reaction to hearing about Sullivan’s death. “Here a young man spends two tours in Iraq and then he comes back to America and gets killed [on] U.S. grounds. That’s pretty trag[ic].”
Gunnery Sergeant Sullivan was one of five service members killed in an attack on a naval reserve center in Chattanooga, Tenn. July 16th. Allen Stratton says his sons went to Cathedral High School with Sullivan. Stratton stood on a street corner opposite the church holding an American flag one would typically seeing hanging off a front porch.
“To show respect for Gunnery Sullivan, his family and the family of all military to show that their sacrifice is worth it,” said Stratton.
Springfield's Roman Catholic Bishop Mitchell Rozanski was the main celebrant for the funeral service.Springfield's Roman Catholic Bishop Mitchell Rozanski spoke with the media after the funeral service.
Numerous members of the armed forces attended the day’s services. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Richard Neal, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito joined them.
Hundreds of Patriot Guard riders escorted the hearse to the church where many stood on the front lawn holding American flags.Ride captain Rick Prater was among hundreds of Patriot Guard members honoring Gunnery Sgt. Sullivan.
“You don’t have to have a motorcycle, you don’t have to be a veteran to join,” said ride captain Rick Prater. “You simply have to have one thing and that’s respect for the veterans. And a willingness to stand out in the heat, the sun and the cold and hold the flag and stand the line.”
Sullivan was 40 and had completed two tours of duty in Iraq. He was awarded two Purple Hearts. Gunnery Sgt. Sullivan was laid to rest in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
The other service members killed in the shooting are: Marine Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, 25, of Wisconsin, Marine Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells, 21, of Georgia, Marine Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, 37, of Arkansas and Navy Second Class Randall Smith, 26, of Ohio.
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