Cpl. Matthew Phillips was killed in action in hot, arid Afghanistan; the weather in Coal Mountain was warm and humid Saturday, but still hundreds came with flags, American flags; everywhere you looked there were flags for Matthew Phillips.
Flags lined State Highway 9 for four miles along the funeral route from Cumming to Coal Mountain Baptist Church.
Brian Bliss brought his wife and three small children, Ean, 4, Aerie, 2, and little Emma, 1; they held flags together and Bliss said he wanted his children to learn something.
"This is a lesson they need to remember for the rest of their lives and they're not too young to start learning," Bliss said, who added the lesson is what people do for the country and the sacrifices they make.
The Patriot Guard stood by, 150 or more of its members holding flags in the parking lot. They brought the flags to the grave site, where the service ended with Army riflemen firing a 21-gun salute, and a bugler played "Taps."
The Guards state captain Gene Altman said his group came out of respect to a fallen soldier and to make sure everyone respected the occasion and the soldier's family; there have been problems in the past with protesters showing up at soldier's funerals.
"They're not here to get on television, they're all here absolutely to pay their respects," Altman said.
Bob Kunzler, a Vietnam veteran from Norcross, said he did not mind dressing up in his blue blazer on such a warm day to attend the funeral.
"This man in particular wore a lot warmer clothes with a heavy field pack on a lot warmer days," Kunzler said. "It's the least I could do to show my respect for him."
Coal Mountain Baptist Church pastor Danny Bennett thanked God for 27-year-old Matthew Phillips for all those who remain fighting in Afghanistan.
He called for their support from all those inside the church, and from all those who stood by respectfully outside listening to the service on loud speakers.
"Lift them up in your prayers," he said. "Remember them each time that you pray."
On the church marquee were these words: "No greater love has no man that he give his life for his friends."
Flags wait at Coal Mountain Baptist Church
Aerie and Ean Bliss hold their flags
Corporal Phillips' hearse arrives at the cemetery
Army bugler waits to play Taps
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/7/211841