Tom's Last Journey
CPT's Doug Pritchard writes in:
The U.S. Embassy arranged for Beth Pyles, a member of the CPT Iraq team, to travel to Anaconda, and she was able to keep vigil with Tom for the next 36 hrs. until his departure. [...]
Pyles was present on the tarmac at Anaconda as Tom's coffin was loaded onto the plane for Dover. She reported that his coffin was draped in a U.S. flag. This is unusual for a civilian, but Tom may not have been uncomfortable with this since he had always called his nation to live out the high ideals which it professed. Iraqi detainees who die in U.S, custody are also transported to Dover for autopsies and forensics. On this plane, right beside Tom's coffin, was the coffin of an Iraqi detainee. So Tom accompanied an Iraqi detainee in death, just as he had done so often in life.
posted by john @ 10:50 AM
2 Comments:
It is considerate that a flag be left on Tom Fox's coffin; this is commensurate with Tom Fox's faithful service to us while in The Marine Band, and considerate of the quiet harmony he brings to new and old friends by his most precious gift.
I was in London when the new came of Tom's death. I am so sorry for this loss although I understand he knew of the possibility. I continue to recall that his own venture into Iraq was a witness to the peace and love of God.
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