KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Family, friends, comrades honor fallen Marine at funeral
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Family, friends and comrades honored the memory of Cpl. Gregory Fleury Friday. (Mike Nederbrock/KTUU-DT)
Albert Fleury, Gregory's grandfather, spoke at the funeral. (Mike Nederbrock/KTUU-DT)
Marines came from Camp Pendleton in California to honor Fleury. (Mike Nederbrock/KTUU-DT)
Fleury was buried at Fort Richardson. (Mike Nederbrock/KTUU-DT)
Fleury had served two tours in Iraq, and his tour in Afghanistan was to be his last. (Courtesy photo)by Christine Kim
Friday, November 06, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Family and friends said their goodbyes to a fallen Marine from Anchorage Friday.
Cpl. Gregory Fleury died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan late last month.
Friday, the community paid their respects to the first Alaska Native Marine killed in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The community came together to remember one of their own on an emotional day to honor Fleury's service.
"He was a son, a grandson, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a friend and most of all, to everyone, he was a hero," said Albert Fleury, Gregory's grandfather.
"I love you Gregory. I never wanted another brother, you're the best, I love you," said his sister, Jenny Fleury.
Friends, family and fellow Marines honored his service and his life.
Marine officers presented the flag on Fleury's casket to his mother, showing their appreciation for her son's service.
"He was very motivated about being a Marine and he was very patriotic to his country but also to his state. He was very proud to be from Alaska and loved to talk about coming back home to Alaska," said Capt. Casey Blasingame, who served with Fleury.
Blasingame and Staff Sgt. Jason Joly flew up from Camp Pendleton in California, where Fleury was based.
They had served together in his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"There's sadness, but it's very a dignified thing that we're trying to do and the biggest thing is honoring him and honoring the family," Joly said.
And they will always remember his dedication and smile.
"I don't think as civilians we fully understand the life of a soldier. That he lays his life on the line for us, that no matter what, he's there 24/7, giving his all," his sister.
As Fleury is laid to rest, his family and friends cherish the memories that they had.
After the funeral, Fleury's family and friends attended a traditional native ceremony.
He was buried at Fort Richardson.
Fleury's grandfather said a couple days before the funeral that the family could start healing once the funeral is over.
Contact Christine Kim at ckim@ktuu.com
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