A NATION'S DEEP GRATITUDE
"All those you love, and those who love you-----In their hearts you will forever be----The one who gave his very all----That the living may be free. "
Leon receives a blessing. News Tribune photo
Some of the hundreds of mourners who were outside Cedron Assumption Catholic Church yesterday during the funeral Mass for Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps bow their heads in prayer. Speakers and a large-screen television were positioned outside to accommodate the overflow crowd. Ed Pfueller photo - WWW.SHOWMENEWS.COM
News Tribune photo
Jim Deeken, Jamestown School superintendent, stands with hand over heart as the Marine hymn is played while Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps was carried into the school for visitation. (Julie Smith/News Tribune photo)
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am the birds that sing
I am in each gentle thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die
Mary E. Frye
A Marine stands watch over the casket of Lance Corporal Leon Deraps as hundreds line up to pay respects to the fallen Marine's family in the gymnasium of Jamestown School. (Ed Pfueller photo) - WWW.SHOWMENEWS.COM
Arin Simmons, left, helps Jamestown Assembly of God Kids Kastle Day Care student Melanie Perez put American flags in her hair Cori Linn, right, does the same for another student before a procession for Marine Leon Deraps passes through town. (Ed Pfueller photo) - WWW.SHOWMENEWS.COM
The Marine Corps fired a 21-shot volley for Leon Drapes as his body is buried Wednesday with full miltary honors. (Stephen Brooks/News Tribune photo)
Two Army National Guard Apache helicopters fly over the funeral of Lance Corporal Leon Deraps Ed Pfueller photo - WWW.SHOWMENEWS.COM
A bugler plays taps during the ceremony.
Ed Pfueller photo - WWW.SHOWMENEWS.COM
No greater love than this that one lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13