Sgt. Amanda Pinson was buried today.
KSDK
Hundreds gathered Saturday to pay tribute to a soldier killed during a mortar attack in Tikrit, Iraq on March 16th. Sergeant Amanda Pinson of south St. Louis county was buried Saturday morning.
Old Glory lined the streets of during the poignant occassion. Her funeral was a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the words liberty, freedom and pride. These are words embodied by both the American flag and a young soldier.
One mourner said with age comes more of her appreciation for what the military does to keep Americans free. Amanda Pinson paid the ultimate sacrifice for the United States and an Army she was proud to serve. Friends and strangers came out Saturday to simply say thank you.
“I think that whether you support the war or not, you should support the troops and this is my small way of doing that,” said Debby Laubenthal who did not know the family.
Also joining the effort were more than one hundred bikers from Missouri and Illinois who are devoted to making sure heroes are honored in life and death. In a fitting tribute, the bikers escorted the fallen soldiers body to her final resting place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
I’ve honored many heroes of the War on Terror on this blog. They even have their own category. 
Amanda Pinson died in the service of her country. She died doing a job she loved, making a difference. She is a small “h” hero, who won’t be given medals and honors, just remembered and loved by the people who’s lives she had touched in her 21 years. She did her duty, by all accounts well and faithfully. She was a credit to the uniform and her friends and family are right to be proud of her.
There are a hundred thousand Amandas serving in Iraq right now. Young men and women doing their duty to the best of their ability, so that you and I are safer than we were yesterday and will be even safer tomorrow. They are your sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters. Americans all, no, not really, some just admire America so much that they serve her in the hopes that they one day, too, can call themselves an American.
Amanda’s memory will live on in the loving family she has left behind. It will live in in her fellow soldiers, and in the lives of the people she helped by doing her duty. It will live on as a free America, as long as we never, ever forget what we owe to Amanda. Thank you, Amanda, from a free and safe America.
Prior posts with Amanda’s story:
7 responses so far ↓
1 Jennifer Shipley // Mar 26, 2006 at
Hey Charles,
Thank you, once again, for keeping up on Amanda’s story. I wanted to keep you updated that today, during her Funeral, she was actually awarded 4 medals… one of which was the Purple Heart, one for the War on Terroism and it escapes me what the other 2 were, off hand. When I remember, I will let you know for certain.
Her Funeral & Burial were simply amazing & I thought you would enjoy seeing some pictures posted by the Patriot Guards themselves…
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1599634/posts?page=52#52
They are such an amazing organization! You can check out their direct website at http://www.patriotguard.org
Once again, thank you for writing about our hero…
2 Dean's World // Mar 26, 2006 at
In Memorium
Sometimes, we’re wise to stop and look upon one of the fallen.
3 Janelle // Mar 26, 2006 at
This touched me deeply. Yes, she is my daughter though I did not know her personally.
It gets to my heart because I have two beautiful daughters that will be able to continue the freedoms they have.
May Our Pewcious Angel Amanda Soar in Heaven and meet those that have gone before her.
4 Chris Brocksmith // Mar 26, 2006 at
It was an honor to be allowed to attend Amanda’s services. From seat of a motorcycle, my prospective and respect for the love this community and family had of Amanda has grown with each minute that has passed since our ride for her. I met her family and each showed great courage. My respect for them has grown as well. This angel has touched me and I pray that someday, I will be able to meet her, shake her hand, give her a hug and say “Thanks Amanda….thank you!”
5 SFC Kenneth Garrett // Mar 28, 2006 at
I was a friend of Amandas I wish I could have been there at her funeral. To her family and friends I offer my prayers. To Amanda I offer my thanks.
6 PFC Dustin Parson // Mar 28, 2006 at
It was the Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal…….
7 Maurice Franks // Apr 12, 2006 at
As a retired U.S. military member and a Saint Louisian I am sorry to hear of Amanda death. I currently live in London England. In Europe the war is very big news. Military members basicly go about their business in the profession they chose.
I was fortunate to live during 22 years in military. During those years I never met anyone who would quit the military because of a fight. Amanda is certainly a soldier of God and is at rest. Maurice Franks MSgt (Ret) 1995