Read more: Local, Local, Soldier, Aaron Arthur, 25 Year Old, Lake City
Hundreds gathered Wednesday to remember the life of a Pee Dee soldier killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Friends and family describe U.S. Army Sergeant Aaron Arthur as a man who loved his country and believed in fighting for our freedom.
Sgt. Arthur received a full military burial Wednesday. Motorcycle groups escorted the hearse carrying his body.
Veterans saluted his family as they made their way to burial services at the Florence National Cemetery. "Being a veteran myself and knowing that he paid of the ultimate sacrifices putting his life down for his country, that's the least we could do is show our respects to his family," said Anthony Burgess.
The footsteps of Sgt. Arthur's fellow soldiers could be heard above the crowd as they carried his casket into the cemetery. There, they came to rest in front of his family and friends. "I don't feel like I'm saying goodbye because I know that he's still here. I feel like he's here today, and that he's just looking over everyone else," said Veronica Rose, a friend of Arthur's.
The Gold Star Mothers presented a special banner to Arthur's mother and wife. The mayor of Lake City read a special resolution in his honor, and an army official read a certificate presenting the late soldier with a Bronze Star.
Burial services ended with a 21 gun salute and the playing of 'taps.'
Sgt. Arthur's fellow soldiers say they will always remember his courage and commitment to our nation. "It was an honor just watching him come up from Private to Sergeant to speaking for him today. He's a guy I'm never going to forget," said Sgt. Daniel Wilson, US Army.
Sgt. Arthur joined the Army a few months after he graduated from high school in 2003.
His family says he had recently re-enlisted.
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