Photo By Sgt. Sara Graham | Mrs. Gina Guillory and family look on as Marines from Headquarters Battalion, Marine...... read more read more
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NEW ORLEANS – A U.S. Marine is the first service member laid to rest and honored at the newly opened Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana, June 21, 2014.
Sgt. Michael Guillory, a critical skills operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, was killed during a combat mission in Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2012.
Guillory’s ashes remained with his family in Slidell while waiting to be buried at the cemetery, which opened June 12, 2014.
Marines from Marine Forces Reserve assisted in burying Guillory’s ashes with a traditional rifle salute and flag folding. The family and community watched as the Marines performed the 21-gun salute for Guillory. Following the rifle salute, the Marines folded a U.S. flag and added three shell casings into the folds of the flag. The casings represent honor, courage and commitment, the core values of all Marines.
The flag was then presented to Guillory’s parents as gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
“The new cemetery broke ground in December of 2012 around the same time Guillory passed away,” said Mary Draughn, commandant, Jans F. Hursey Detachment #748 of the Marine Corps League in Slidell. “That’s what started the planning for Guillory to be the buried at the cemetery.”
After the ceremony concluded, family and friends walked in procession down to Guillory’s final resting place. Guillory’s family walked up to his ashes one last time to each give their final farewells. Attendees then lined up to offer their respects to Guillory while offering their condolences to the family.
Mrs. Gina Guillory, Guillory’s mother, said it was an honor to have so many people supporting them and that the ceremony was not just for her son, but for the veterans coming after him.
“I am so thankful that Michael’s sacrifice is bringing attention to the real heroes and our military families,” said Mrs. Guillory.
The cemetery will be the final resting place to thousands of other veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. It will be a place where military families can lay their loved ones to rest and honor them for giving their lives to this country.
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2014 15:37 |
| Story ID: | 134406 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 343 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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