The service was the first at Westover in at least 8 years, said Westover public affairs technician Sgt. Andrew S. Biscoe.
05.20.2010 | Photo by Mark M. Murray / The Republican | Marines fold the American flag to present to the family of Marine Sgt. Joshua Desforges during the service at Westover Air Reserve Base.
CHICOPEE - A military funeral service for Marine Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges was held this morning at Base Ellipse on the grounds of Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee. Desforges, 23, a six-year veteran of the Marine Corps, died Wednesday, May 12 as a result of a hostile incident while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, according to a statement issued by the 2nd Division Office of Public Affairs.
The service was the first at Westover in at least 8 years, said Westover public affairs technician Sgt. Andrew S. Biscoe.The funeral procession, led by three motorcycles from the Chicopee and Springfield police departments, arrived at the base just after 11 a.m.
The ceremony lasted about an hour, and included remarks from retired Sgt. Major Edward C. Mitrook of the Westover Young Marine program. Mitrook had been a mentor to Desforges, who joined the Young Marine program at the age of 12.
In comments to the press following the service, Mitrook said his first impression of Desforges was of a young man with intent, greater purpose, and great leadership qualities. "He lived his life with discipline, dedicaton & humor," Mitrook said.
In a prepared statement, Lt. Col. David McCulloh, site commander, Westover Marines, said, "This morning U.S. Marines honored a fallen brother. Sgt. Joshua David Desforges gave his life while supporting combat operations in Marjah, Afghanistan. While we mourn his loss, today we honor his bravery, patriotism and service to the nation."
05.21.2010 | Photo by John Suchocki / The Republican | LUDLOW - The casket of fallen Marine Sgt. Joshua Desforges leaves the Ludlow Funeral Home under salute from the honor guard.
In Ludlow, hundreds of residents clutched flags and held back tears along the procession route, which began at Ludlow Funeral Home on East Street.
Red, white and blue ribbons were tied to utility polls and American and Marine Corps flags dotted East, Chapin and Fuller streets.
Outside Community Children’s Center on Chapin Street, where Desforges was a student 20 years ago, director Edith M. Chenevert and her assistant, Joanne F. Fenney, hung a handpainted sign made by pre-schoolers. It featured student handprints and the words, “Our Hero, Sgt. Josh.”
“This is a celebration of Josh’s life,” Chenevert said.
View full size05.21.2010 | Photo by Greg Saulmon / The Republican | LUDLOW - The funeral procession for Marine Sgt. Joshua Desforges pauses in front of Ludlow High School.The hearse carrying Desforges’ body paused in front of Ludlow High School, where band members played “Amazing Grace.”
Clarinetist Cassie E. Goncalves said that the band had been rehearsing for the past two days since learning they would perform.
Some of those standing along the route knew Desforges, while others wanted to show their support for his family.
“It’s good Ludlow came together like this,” said Senior Airman Travis G. Wilson, who attended Ludlow High School with Desforges.
Vincent A. Ferrero carried an American flag in his right hand and sign proclaiming Desforges’ sacrifice in his left. He said he would place the sign on his Pond View Drive front lawn on Memorial Day.
“I am a proud Vietnam veteran here to support these folks,” Ferrero said. “Hopefully, it will help.”
Anna Marie Dias and her friend, Debbie L. Martell, stood under a shady tree as the hearse traveled down Chapin Street. The pair had attended the wake the night before.
“He fought for our freedom,” Dias said. “How could you not come out?”
The Republican's Ray Kelly, Patrick Johnson and George Graham contributed to this report.