Nov. 6, 2009, Dallas, TX.
Army SSGT. Shawn H. McNabb, 24, of Terrell, TX, died Oct. 26 of wounds suffered when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard crashed in Darreh-ye Bum, Afghanistan. He was one the 18 soldiers greeted by President Obama in Dover, Delaware last week.
A grateful nation honors your service. Your battle is over; rest in peace. Your courage, for our country, will forever be etched in our minds and hearts.
Funeral services for SSGT Shawn McNabb were held at First Baptist Church of Terrell, before heading to DFW National Cemetery. The funeral procession was escorted by the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders. The procession arrived at 1:00PM as scheduled. The weather was beautiful with clear skies, in the upper 70s, with a light breeze. Once the procession drove down the winding road along Veterans Lake they made their way to Shed B.
Upon arrival the participants were greeted by the somber rings of a Liberty Bell replica. Members of the US Army 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Regiment (Airborne), from Hunter Army Airfield, GA, and a Honor Guard from nearby Ft. Worth Naval Air Station performed the military services.
Three round volley salute was performed along with Taps before the formal flag folding ceremony. Afterward 3-flags were presented to the family as a symbol of our nations appreciation for their sacrifice.
Normally, I do not include, what I consider a private moment, the presentation of the flag to a grieving mother. It is without a doubt the saddest thing to witness. I have personally witness this many times and it always brings me to tears. The wailing cries are usually to private to share. However, the McNabb family was gracious and generous to allow me to share their experience with the world. This tribute should serve as a reminder to everyone the sacrifice of wars are paid by families, friends, and fellow associates. With the warrior paying the ultimate price and a grateful nation paying their final respects.
Once the ceremony concluded many well wisher offered comfort to his grief stricken mother. Slowly the participants began to egress the cemetery.
Video Production Description:
Special thank you
US Army 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Regiment (Airborne), from Hunter Army Airfield, GA
J. Wayne Duckworth, Liberty Bell Ringer
Texas Cemetery Foundation
Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas
Jane Brouder Stephens – Still photos
Music:
Amazing Grace
TAPS
In the Arms of an Angel
Video Production:
USFallen.org
Jerry Castillo
Producer
