Happy Independence Day

Cudahy Soldier

Last week a young man from Cudahy named Steve Christofferson was killed in Iraq. Cudahy is very nearby. The funeral was held today.

Steve was buried at the cemetery near my house. The one I frequently go for walks through. The street in front of the cemetery was lined with American flags and throughout the cemetery there were clusters of 3 - 5 flags. The main flags in the cemetery were, of course, at half mast. I have never seen so many flags in my life. What an amazing site to see.

I was on the outskirts of the cemetery during a portion of the burial. There were a few people standing way off. I just felt like I had to be there -- to say thank you for the sacrifice he & his family made so my family and friends can live in freedom -- even if it was from a distance. I didn't want to intrude on the private time his family & friends deserved. At first I thought it was weird, but when I saw how many others had walked up and were doing the same thing I felt I had made the right decision.

While each story of a young serviceman or woman lost breaks my heart, once I heard Pfc. Christofferson was going to be buried near my home the loss of his life brought tears to my eyes. Each time I think of him now, I tear up. I think it is because seeing this with my own eyes rather than a story on TV makes it more real.

Thank you Pfc. Steve Christofferson and all the men & women in uniform for serving our great country.

Milwaukee Soldier Killed in Iraq

While we don't know this family personally, my thoughts today are with the family of a local serviceman who was killed in Iraq.

Army Pfc. Keith E. Lloyd, 26, died Saturday in Tal Afar, Iraq. He died of wounds sustained when his vehicle hit an IED.

Keith was a graduate of the high school in the town we live. Olivia said they observed a moment of silence during school today in honor of Keith.

Thank you to all the men & women in uniform & their families who make many sacrifices for our freedom.

Thank you Keith & thank you Lloyd family.