Ballpark funeral Sunday for long-missing soldier (Matt Maupin)

[AngryOldDem]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/04/23/042308maupin.html


CINCINNATI — Police and the family of a young Ohio soldier who became identified with the war in Iraq are planning for thousands of people to attend his funeral Sunday.

"Matt Maupin became America's son during the four years he was missing," said Dan Bare, Clermont County Veterans' Services director. "He was the face of the war."

His parents, Keith and Carolyn Maupin, and their Yellow Ribbon Support Center, have sent nearly 10,000 packages of toiletries, magazines and snacks and games to soldiers.

On Sunday, Maupin's casket will be taken to downtown Cincinnati for a memorial service at Great American Ball Park at 1 p.m.

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Whenever I think of him, I see the photo that was taken of him while in captivity. Those eyes. Those haunted eyes. The eyes of a young man who should have had the rest of a long and productive life ahead of him. I've seen the quiet grace and stoicism of his parents -- who will continue their work with the Yellow Ribbon group on behalf of the troops and those who are MIA -- and I wonder how they do it. I wonder how military families everywhere cope with the uncertainty, the dread, the anger, the tears.

It was rumored that George Bush might attend. But apparently, for once in his wretched life, he's doing the right thing.

He's not coming.

Rest in peace, Matt.