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Support Rides into Stamford for Fallen SEAL

STAMFORD, Conn. — The war in Afghanistan hit home for Stamford residents who came out to hold American flags during U.S. Navy SEAL Brian Bill’s funeral service Friday. Among the many paying their respects were the Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders.

The riders made sure about 100 flag-holders lined Newfield Avenue in front of St. Cecilia’s Church, waiting for Bill’s body and family to arrive. The riders also escorted the procession from Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home to the church. The roar from their motorcycles could be heard before they were seen.

“We would be out here no matter what,” said Bob Stone, state captain of the Patriot Guard Riders. He added that many more riders than usual came because they had almost a week’s notice, instead of just a day or two.

Other Stamford residents flooded the street to honor their fallen neighbor. “You see it on the news and feel horrible, but until it’s your hometown it doesn’t resonate,” said Nick Santagata of Stamford. His father served in Korea, and Santagata brought the flag he was given when his father died because “he would want to be here,” he said.

“They need our support everyday, not just on a sad occasion like this,” Nora Duffin said as she stood across from St. Cecilia’s. Though she had never met Bill, she said she felt a connection to him because several of her relatives served in the armed forces.

Bill, who will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6 when the Taliban shot down the helicopter in which he was riding. He was one of 38 U.S. and Afghan servicemen sent to assist a ground force.

“Brian joined the United States Navy because he loved this country, the people who lived here, and the freedoms we all have,” his mother Patricia Parry and stepfather Dr. Michael Parry wrote in a statement. “He was truly special, not only to our family but to this country.

“Brian meant the world to us, and there will always be emptiness in our hearts and souls.”

Did you attend Brian Bill’s funeral? Share your thoughts and experiences below. 

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