By Associated Press
Jasper AL – At least 300 mourners said farewell on Saturday to Army Spc. Richard Gilmore III, Walker County's first fatality of the war in Iraq.
His funeral was held at the football stadium at Walker High School, where he graduated in 2003.
The family and officials took seats on the east side of the field, facing the casket and red, white and blue-themed floral arrangement.
Gilmore, 22, of Carbon Hill, died on July 18 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, along with three other soldiers, when their unit's patrol vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using a roadside bomb and small-arms fire.
He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq.
Spc. Richard Gilmore III was a brave young man who volunteered two times to go to the front lines," Alshiki Tucker, a friend of the Gilmore family, said during a tribute at the funeral.
Minister Gilmore's [Richard Gilmore's father] heroic son paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country," Tucker said. Love has no greater sacrifice than this, to lay down your life for a friend."
Gilmore and the other three soldiers killed during the attack were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division based in Schweinfurt, Germany.
He has proven the integrity placed in him by his good father and mother did not go by the wayside," the Rev. Dennis Farley prayed. We rejoice because this, your child, has found his way home ... He lived with honor. He died with honor. Because of you soon, we know he will live forever."
Pastor D.L. Bobbitt said God had loaned Gilmore out" and now has taken him back.
I know grief is in the midst," Bobbitt said. But someone ought to shout hallelujah! Hope can be shaken, but it cannot be totally removed."
Devos Hammond, who grew up with Gilmore said he hates that Gilmore was killed in Iraq.
We got a lot of young people over in Iraq getting killed for nothing," said Hammond, 26, of Jasper. They're all fighting an oil war."
And for President Bush to say so much about the war, where is he?" he said. He could come down here just for a second and at least tell Richard's family thanks for dying for his country."
Sabrena Smith, who went to Walker High School with Gilmore, said Gilmore died doing the right thing.
Why everyone else is dying in the street over stupid petty stuff, Richard was doing something constructive with his life," said Smith, 20.
Gilmore's godfather, John McCollum, agreed with Smith.
Richard had a mission and he volunteered for it," McCollum said. It was his second tour over there so he wanted to be there."
I hate that he lost his life, but you got to take the bitter with the sweet," he said.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James R. Myles, commanding general of the Army Aviation and Missile Command, presented the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart to Gilmore's family.
Richard was a team player. He thought about others before he thought about himself," Myles said.
He is survived by his wife, Jimmie Sue P. Gilmore, and young children Malakiah J. Gilmore and Alexis P. Gilmore.
Gilmore's family also was presented a certificate and message from Gov. Bob Riley, who called on all Alabamians to remember Gilmore's sacrifice.
A flag flown over the Alabama Capitol in Gilmore's honor was also presented to the family, as well as the Distinguished Service Medal from the Alabama National Guard. A representative of the American Legion presented a Gold Star.
Burial with military honors was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Tuscaloosa News staff writer Jamon Smith contributed to this report.