 Still Serving the
Military Community and their Families
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| Cpl. Angelo Vaccaro, Deltona, Florida,
October 14, 2006 The Sound of Freedom By bill hood
Cpl., Angelo J. Vaccaro 23, of Deltona, Fla., died on Oct. 2 in Korengal, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered during combat operations. Vaccaro was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.
October 14, 2006. Anjelo was laid to rest this morning in Deltona Memorial Gardens, just off I-4 in eastern central Florida.. In the words of his mother at the site of her son’s grave, "Thank you all… All.. This is an honor I will never forget." She was speaking to the Patriot Guard Riders and the Florida Patriot Guard. Immediately upon the family’s arrival, I had watched her and each of the family members walk the entire line of people standing to honor her son, shaking every hand and repeating, "Thank you so much for being here". We had come from all over the state of Florida, and perhaps some from further away. A conservative estimate would place upwards of three hundred riders and support people representing this honor guard of volunteers. It wasn’t just another mission. It was Anjelo’s day of forever goodbye to his friends, family, and loved ones, gathered on this occasion. It was his families day to come face to face with his final departure from their midst. It was our day to pay honor and respect to a young man and his family. Honor to this young man, whose life was taken by hostile forces in his determination to defend you and me, and the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. Respect to his beloved family, and those close to him, for the sacrifice beyond all sacrifices.
As the military honor guard fired the piercing three-volley salute to Anjelo, I could not help but think, "I never heard Anjelo speak or laugh. I never heard him make those sounds of exertion as he pushed himself to accomplish some difficult physical task. I do not know the sounds of this young man." Of a certainty, the sounds of Anjelo J. Vaccaro are forever added to the sounds of Freedom’s Ring. I will hear Anjelo’s sound in the strains of "God Bless America", in the snap and flutter of our nation ensign, and in every peel of The Bell of Remembrance in NYC, during future 9-11 ceremonies..
God speed, Angelo… |
The Mission for Spc. Angelo J. Vaccaro, 23, of Deltona, Fla. took place on the morning of 10.14.06. It was a typical fall Florida Saturday. The morning started out on the cool side and rapidly burned off the dew and got very warm. Due to the threat of some undesirables showing up we were greeted by a large contingent of Law Enforcement. We were carefully observed as we entered the Funeral Home/Cemetery grounds. As a buffer against the arrival of any undesirables, a flag line was posted on either side of the drive leading to the funeral home from the street. It was hoped that the lines would discourage negative publicity and it worked very well. |
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A flag line was posted at the entrance to the funeral home prior to the
arrival of the Vaccaro family and loved ones. There were
representatives from the Florida Patriot Guard, the Patriot Guard
Riders, American Legion Riders and several other organizations.
Many riders, with no club affiliation, were also present. As the family arrived they stopped to walk the Flag Line and thank the riders for being there. There was close to a hundred flags all told and that made the welcome a long walk. Spc. Vaccaro’s mother walked that line and hugged many of the riders and thanked all of them for being there. |
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After the service began, about half of the group moved to the cemetery and formed a semi-circle around the burial site. The rest of the riders remained in place to honor the fallen hero and his family after the service was over. They then quickly moved to join the others already in place. At the burial site prayers were said for the repose of the Hero’s soul. Taps was blown in a very special “Echo” style. Next there was folding of the flag and presentation to the family, by a U.S. Army Color Guard. A 21 gun salute ended the service. |
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A statement from the family was made. They thanked all of the participants for sharing in this celebration of Spc. Vaccaro’s life. A true hero, a helper of others was laid to rest today. Our Nation is proud of the service of this man and mourns his passing. Photos and narrative provided by Tom and Jan of the §tär§híþ Ambulance. |
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| © 2006 Florida Patriot Riders | Last updated:Saturday, October 22, 2006 19:35:17 PM |