Community Honors Area Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
Memorial Service Held Wednesday For Thompson
Updated: 7:05 am CST March 5, 2009
PORTAGE, Wis. -- Mourners filled St. Mary's Catholic Church in Portage Wednesday as a memorial service was held for a soldier killed in Afghanistan.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportOutside the church, veterans lined up to honor Army Sgt. Daniel Thompson, 24, a Portage native who was killed Feb. 24 in a roadside bombing in Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan.After the service, residents lined the streets for the funeral procession. Community members said that Thompson's act of heroism is one they will never forget."Your heart just goes out to him, and we're thankful to him for what he has done for us, and your heart goes out to his family," said Vickie Lawless, a Portage resident who turned out for the procession although she never met Thompson.Outside Thompson's funeral, veterans lined up to honor Thompson's ultimate sacrifice."Over 3 million of us served in Vietnam, and we came back to turned backs and disrespect, and we stand here today to not let that happen again," said Michael Weaver, of the Wisconsin Patriot Guard Riders.Thompson was the only child of Bob and Lisa Thompson. He also leaves behind a fiancée. They were set to get married next year.Loved ones said Thompson was one of the happiest people they knew.U.S. and Wisconsin flags at all state facilities were flown at half-staff in Thompson's honor on Wednesday.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportOutside the church, veterans lined up to honor Army Sgt. Daniel Thompson, 24, a Portage native who was killed Feb. 24 in a roadside bombing in Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan.After the service, residents lined the streets for the funeral procession. Community members said that Thompson's act of heroism is one they will never forget."Your heart just goes out to him, and we're thankful to him for what he has done for us, and your heart goes out to his family," said Vickie Lawless, a Portage resident who turned out for the procession although she never met Thompson.Outside Thompson's funeral, veterans lined up to honor Thompson's ultimate sacrifice."Over 3 million of us served in Vietnam, and we came back to turned backs and disrespect, and we stand here today to not let that happen again," said Michael Weaver, of the Wisconsin Patriot Guard Riders.Thompson was the only child of Bob and Lisa Thompson. He also leaves behind a fiancée. They were set to get married next year.Loved ones said Thompson was one of the happiest people they knew.U.S. and Wisconsin flags at all state facilities were flown at half-staff in Thompson's honor on Wednesday.
Previous Stories:
- February 27, 2009: Madison Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Inspired Others
- February 26, 2009: Local Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
Copyright 2009 by Channel 3000. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
