Mission Report; NEPA 4/29/2010 Honor Mission Sgt. Sean Durkin, U.S. Army
 
A Soldier was laid to rest today.
 
In the two neighboring towns of Easton, PA, and Phillipsburg, NJ, hundreds of Patriots came out to honor Sgt. Sean Durkin, U.S.Army.
 
I hope I will be forgiven if I depart from the format I usually use to report a mission. I won't be quoting an obituary. That is available online, if anyone wishes to read it. Today was different. Sean Durkin was a young man, an American Hero, who died in the service of his country, and directly as a result of that service.
 
He was severely injured in an explosion in Afghanistan in March, 2010. He lost both of his lower extremities. He was recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center, but succumbed to a rapid infection.
 
It was a shock to all, because he had such a string will...he loved his cars, and working on them. When he first learned the extent of his injuries, his first question was "How soon will I be able to drive?" Just the response we would expect from a young American man!
But Sean never had the chance to find out. His future was left behind...in a war zone.
 
 
Hundreds of Patriots paid their respects today. There were over a hundred motorcycles in the escort from the Funeral Home to the Cemetery. There were hundreds of people in the flag lines. There were hundreds of people attending the services. There were hundreds...no, countless people lining the streets of Phillipsburg, NJ, and Easton, PA. Schools had their entire student population lined up with flags, with hand-drawn signs. It was obvious that a Hometown Hero was being honored, and it is sad that he was being honored after his passing.
 
This was a very emotional day in this corner of America. It was heartening to see so many Americans stand for one Hero. it was disheartening that it was because of his sacrifice.
 
If only we could have given him a "Welcome Home" with a hug, a backslap, instead of a funeral escort and flag line.
 
Deepest gratitudes to Officer Deluca of Phillipsburg, NJ, who took it upon himself to bring his town, and Easton, PA, together. Also to Rae McLaughin, Soldires' Angels Support Team PA contact person, who maintained contact and communication with Officer DeLuca, and arranged the Northeast PA part of this Honor Mission. Thanks also to all groups and individuals who took part today. I can not begin to name them all. This was truly a Mission of combined efforts.