 Still Serving the
Military Community and their Families
|
Safety Harbor, Florida
July 11, 2007
|
Wednesday morning July 11, 2007 PFC Jonathan
Michael Rossi of Safety Harbor, Florida was laid to rest at the
National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. PFC Rossi was a member of the
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division serving in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom when he was struck down by insurgents utilizing
improvised explosive devices and small arms fire. He was the fifth
casualty from Pinellas County. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Members of the Florida Patriot Guard began gathering early at the rest
stop on I-75 in preparation to set a flag line by the assembly area for
the arrival of PFC Rossi, his family and friends. The Florida Patriot
Guard arrived before the family and was in place when they and the
national organization, PGR, pulled into the cemetery. The air was hot
and steamy as an estimated 40 bikes pulled into the parking area. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
PFC
Jonathan Rossi was from a military family. His father, Michael, was a
retired Air Force Staff Sergeant. His seven siblings and step siblings
stood, heads bowed as taps were played. PFC Rossi was buried with his
mother Myrna Rossi who died of cancer in 1997. Governor Charlie Crist recently passed a law directing flags to be flown half mast when local heros died. PFC Rossi was the first to receive this honor. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
America and the citizens of Florida owe PFC Jonathan Rossi a debt of
gratitude for his ultimate sacrifice. A debt which can never be repaid. Today as our hearts and prayers go out to the Rossi family we hold Jonathan's memory firm. He was a true American Hero. Jonathan's step brother, Matthew Reif, said it best, "if I could say one last thing it would be 'stand down PFC Rossi, your mission is now complete.' " |
Slideshow
Lowell St. Cyr "Saint" Webmaster.
| © 2006 Florida Patriot Riders | Last updated: Friday, July 13, 2007 08:46:17 AM |