JOURNEYS
Taking Kyle Home
A Journey back from the battlefield of a Marine that gave his life for freedom
- Chaplain (Cmdr.) Manuel A. Biadog, Jr., USN // March 14, 2010
Pawtucket citizens lined-up and waved the flags at Newport Street, Pawtucket, RI on Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010 to show their hearts for Private First Class Kyle J. Countu, who was killed in action in Afghanistan. © Chaplain (Cmdr.) Manuel A. Biadog, Jr., USN 2010
Rhode Island citizens stood in a cold and rainy day outside the Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus Church, Newport Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Friday Feb 26, 2010 as part of the funeral service to honor Pfc. Countu. © Chaplain (Cmdr.) Manuel A. Biadog, Jr., USN 2010
S. Marines Honor Guard, Patriots' Guards, USAF Bugler, and Rhode Island citizens wait at PFC Kyle Coutu's gravesite at Exeter Veterans' Cemetery on Feb 26, 2010. © Chaplain (Cmdr.) Manuel A. Biadog, Jr., USN 2010
After a long journey from Afghanistan via Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Kyle Coutu is finally back home in Rhode Island with his family, though his return has brought more solace than celebration. For instead of a welcome home party, the parents of Kyle were preparing a funeral.
This kind of journey, one that carries a fallen service member from the battlefield to a resting place back home, takes place almost every day across America, as so many give their lives for freedom and democracy.
This culmination of this type of journey came Feb. 24 for the Coutu family on a cold, rainy, and wintery afternoon. More than 40 people witnessed the dignified homecoming of U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class (PFC) Kyle J. Coutu's flag-draped casket at the T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island. U.S. Marine Corps PFC Peter Lang, a schoolmate, fellow Marine, and best friend of Kyle, had escorted his remains home. I was with family and friends when he arrived that afternoon, standing alongside and praying for the family.
Kyle and 10 other Marines were killed in action during a major combat offensive against the Taliban in Helmand province in Afghanistan. He was assigned with the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based out of Camp Lejeune , North Carolina. What stands out vividly in my mind more than anything else and moved me to tears was when I saw countless citizens—young and old—military veterans, state and local police, firefighters, teenagers, children, and many others lining the streets and highways waving large and small American flags. These patriotic Americans waved the flags and welcomed their hero home. Governor Donald Carcieri ordered all flags at half-staff in honor of PFC Coutu, the same Old Glory that PFC Coutu and PFC Lang saluted and promised to defend their homeland. PFC Coutu and PFC Lang enlisted and trained together in Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina last year June and graduated in September. Indeed, our allegiance to our Country and its symbol—the American flag—journeyed over 6,000 miles draped over Kyle's casket from Afghanistan to Rhode Island is a symbol of our nation's strength and unity. It has been a source of pride and inspiration to millions of our citizens. The flag draped over the casket, folded at the funeral service, was given to Melissa– Kyle's mother—by U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant John Knight, conveying his solemn and thankful words on behalf of the President of the United States , the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful Nation of her son's service to the Country and the Corps. Kyle was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal which was received on his behalf by his beloved mother. In moments like these, I am reminded of the Pledge of Allegiance, recited by students throughout the Country. Kyle and Peter recited that pledge side-by-side when they started their journey together in 4th grade at Curtis Elementary and then Tolman High School. Millions of Americans—past and present—have stood and faced our flag with our right hand over our heart repeatedly reciting this revered pledge. I gave some serious thoughts on the meaning of the word allegiance. Allegiance means you are promising to be true to the United States of America, never taking for granted our flag; our democratic form of government as a republic; our people in unity; our faith and belief in God; our convictions that our Nation and its people will never again be divided; our freedoms, fairness, and justice for all; and our American way of life—always remembering the ultimate sacrifices made by the service men and women, police, firefighters, and many others. PFC Kyle J. Coutu was not only a great Marine but a great person. He grew up in Pawtucket , R.I., was a son, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, classmate, student, fiancé, and a Marine. He was an all-American kid, awesome athlete, a patriot, a hero, and a God-fearing loyal American. While in Afghanistan , Kyle knew there was no turning back. He threw himself into the fight and knew what bravery and courage was all about. Kyle has faithfully and lived the highest core values of his Corps (Honor, Courage, and Commitment), his religious faith, and his Country for which he fought and died. It is the trait of bravery and courage that Kyle lived each and every day in the Marine Corps. He never gave up believing in his family, friends, loved ones, fiancé, his fellow Marines, and his homeland. Kyle only served a short eight months of military service but his sacrifice will carry for year. He was only 20 years old.
I came to realize the year Kyle was born was the same year I was first commissioned in the United States Navy some 20 years ago. Kyle, like many other young men and women in the military who has given their lives will never know what is like to be a father/mother having children, to be a grandfather/grandmother having grandchildren, and to be a husband/wife having a spouse. This fact saddens me, and I’m sure saddens many others. Participating and attending Kyle’s wake and funeral service was without doubt a heartbreaking and heartwarming experience for the citizens of Pawtucket and Rhode Island, including myself. Kyle’s final homecoming brought many people together from all walks of life, paying their homage and respect to an American hero. More 500 people packed the Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus Church during Kyle's funeral mass, celebrating and remembering his good and honorable life. Amidst grief and tears, many happy and heartfelt stories were told by his family and those who knew Kyle. He touched their lives and countless of others. We owe tremendous gratitude to all patriots and military veterans—past and present—who were willing to give their todays, in order that we might have our tomorrows. We will always have a continuing remembrance and deepest thanks of their service, along with their surviving families, for the ultimate sacrifices they have made. It will always cost the lives of the best and brightest people, like Kyle, for the price they paid for freedom and liberty. All gave some, some gave all. Kyle gave his all. I am also reminded of the eloquent words that were said by an U.S. Army National Guard Chaplain for a Virginia Army National Guardsman who was killed in action in Iraq: "We buried his body, not his soul. We buried his hands, not his works. We buried his heart, not his love." It has been two hundred and thirty-four years since the independence of our Country. Many American patriots, like Kyle, have valiantly protected and preserved the freedoms of people everywhere, here at home and abroad. May we never forget those sacrifices and the freedoms we now enjoy. As a final tribute to his long-time friend, classmate, and fellow Marine, Peter memorized in his mind and heart the Marine Corps Prayer. He verbally and solemnly in prayer recited this sacred prayer during the Mass of Christian Burial with these parting words for Kyle: "Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer." Amen! In my heart, I expressed this at the funeral and will continue to have these sentiments: ‘God bless you Kyle and your family. Thank you for your sacrifice and faithful service to God and Country. I considered it a distinction and remarkable honor of being a part of your final journey home. Our beloved Country, your loving family, and I will never forget you. Semper Fi!’