A Hero Came Home

By Semperpapa

On April 2, 2010, a hero came home to a grieving Nation.

USMC LCpl. Rick J. Centanni, 19, arrived in Los Alamitos, California, for his last trip home. Rick was killed in Afghanistan on March 24th, alongside his Sgt. Maj. Robert J. Cottle, 45.

Rick Centanni's return home was attended not only by a grieving mother and father, but by hundreds of American Patriots who felt the need to pay their respects and honor this young man who has given so much to our country.

Rick's father, a Sgt. for the Santa Ana Police Dept., was flanked by hundreds of police officers from just about every jurisdiction in Southern California, all in attendance to support one of their own in the most difficult time of his life.

And there were hundreds of perfect strangers, most of the members of the Patriot Guard Riders group, who showed up simply to make sure that Rick Centanni's mother, father and other family and friends realize that our Nation grieves alongside them for their loss.

And Rick's flag draped casket was escorted to the mortuary in Fullerton by motor officers that insure the procession of tens of police cars and almost 250 motorcycle Patriot Guards made their way through the busy Southern California roadways and freeways safely and undisturbed, allowing people lining the streets and Fire Departments with their Fire Engines to pay their respects to this young man and his family.

And I had the privilege to be among 250 of my closest brothers and sisters in this somber endeavor, representing my Marine son, a closed friend of Rick Centanni.

There are times in our lives we must do what makes us sad, but what we know it MUST be done. Yesterday was one of those times, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of it.

May God bless LCpl. Rick J. Centanni and Sgt.Maj. Robert J. Cottle, and all those wearing the uniform of the United States Military, as they are the defenders of our freedom.

Think how much we owe them!

Just my thoughts!