3 heroes take final journey
The remains of three US Marines — who were among the 13 service members killed in the August suicide attack at the Kabul airport — were returned to their home states of Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming, according to reports. In Omaha, thousands lined the streets for the hearse bearing Cpl. Daegan Page, 23, from Epply Airfield to Braman Mortuary, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
“We wish we could have stopped and thanked every person who took time out of their day to pay their respects,” his family said in a statement.
In Laredo, Texas, a plane carrying Lance Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, 20, landed at 2:32 p.m, according to the Laredo Morning Times. He was met by his family and Bishop James Tomayo of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laredo, who said a prayer.
Constantina Cantu, who watched the motorcade, said, “Just like the mother of
this young man, I am a mother as well, and this is very sad to see.
“We see that these young people go leave their homes because they want to serve, and unfortunately some lose their lives during these deployments.” Cantu’s son, Ulises, joined her. “I also brought my child to look and see how a true hero — because he truly was a hero — is returned back home,” she said.
Ulises, an elementary-school student, said he hopes to serve in the armed forces once he is old enough.
In Jackson, Wyo., thousands lined the streets to greet the hearse bearing Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, according to WyoFile. McCollum, of Bondurant, Wyo., was met at the Jackson Hole Airport by his family and elected officials.
He was newly married and a soonto-be father when he was killed in the Kabul airport attack. He graduated from high school in 2019.