April 9, 2011
Eternal Flame News
Written By: Miranda Caverley
CHILLICOTHE, OH-Saturday April 9, 2011 was the day The War In Afghanistan left a permanent imprint on the city of Chillicothe Ohio. Today one of Chillicothe's own, Army Staff Sergeant Joshua Gire was brought home to be laid to rest.
On March 23, 2011, Chillicothe Ohio resident and Huntington High School 2000 Graduate Staff Sergeant Joshua Gire paid the ultimate price for his country. While serving in Afghanistan Gire’s battalion was attacked by enemy forces in the Logar province of Afghanistan.
Today Staff Sergeant Joshua Gire was brought home one last time. As the Procession came through Chillicothe my husband Jeremy and I stood along Western Ave. Just outside our home and paid our respects. From the moment I heard and saw the first police car sounding its sirens. Tears began to flow down my face, and as the police cars and motorcyclists passed with American Flags streaming behind them you just knew this city was permanently scarred by the effects of the war on Terror that has been raging for 10 years now.
Near the en
d of the procession you see the hearse carrying the body of Staff Sergeant Joshua Gire coming. My husband being a Veteran of the U.S Coast Guard stood in salute and I watched as the hearse slowly drove past. You could see the American Flag draped over the casket, and then the limousine that carried Staff Sergeant Joshua Gire's Family towards the funeral home.
How do you find the words to express the sorrow and pain a family must feel in the face of losing a son, father, and husband? It can only be described through the tears that are shed for those who pay the ultimate price for Freedoms Call.
Tuesday April 12, 2011 will be the funeral/memorial service for Staff Sergeant Joshua Gire at Huntington High School. After that his body will be taken to Arlington Cemetery to be buried on Friday April 15, 2011. Where another marker will be placed along with the thousands of others in remembrance, that freedom isn't free.
May we never forget that our freedoms are persevered through the sacrifices of others like Joshua Gire. For without their bravery we would not be able to call our country the home of the free.
From the bitter cold winter at Valley Forge, to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, our soldiers have courageously answered when called, gone where ordered, and defended our nation with honor.
Solomon Ortiz
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