Tuesday, November 8th was another hard day for La Harpe area as the community buried a second beloved son, 24 year old, Marine Cpl. Joshua D. Palmer.
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Tuesday, November 8th was another hard day for La Harpe area as the community buried a second beloved son, 24 year old, Marine Cpl. Joshua D. Palmer.
The high school gymnasium where Josh celebrated his graduation six years earlier, was now a place his parents, Doug and Carol Palmer, family and friends came to seek comfort in dealing with their overwhelming pain and loss.
Photo clips set to music, unfolded the life of a close knit family which helped form Josh's outlook on life.
"This just could be the best days of my life,"
I'm An American Soldier," and
"If this is what heaven's made of, I ain't afraid to die.":
Scripture was read from the Holy Bible in the book of Psalms: "Be strong and of good courage, for the Lord thy God is with thee."
The Marine's Prayer was read by Chaplain Cravens, USMC, and Melissa Burt sang "Amazing Grace" and "You Raise Me Up".
A former youth pastor of Josh's Rev. Don Miller talked of the character of "Josh" reading a letter from his cousin, Ashley, that described the family's overwhelming pain, and how special it was to be able to witness his growth into a strong, brave and humble man.
"We're proud of you not just because you are a Marine but because you filled so wonderfully every role.
Josh's dad described him as having a heart as big as all outdoors.
In describing the character of Josh, Rev. Miller said, "If there was work to be done, Josh would join in."
He pictured him in heaven preparing the place for his mom and his dad, his family, and he can help make your place ready. It's not about being perfect, It's about trusting God as your Savior.
"I want you to understand that Josh is not gone, but he has been redeployed to a glorioua new place," said Rev. Miller
Rev. Miller found his closing remarks from words that Josh had written about "change" - it's one thing that is certain, and it ended with, "No matter where in the world I am, I'm not that far away."
Rev. Greg Pratt said, "Josh was a whirlwind of activity, he lived life to extremes in love, work and laughter. He loved children and the elderly, his friends, his family, and he loved the Marines.
He didn't like a judgmental attitude, and someday, wanted to marry a girl just like Mom.
He read several scriptures and in his final remarks said: "There is no greater thing than a man lay down his life for another.: Josh for his country, Jesus for our eternal life."
Burial with full military honors was at McConnell Cemetery. The procession passed under the U.S. Flag suspending from an arch made from fire truck ladders of the Nauvoo and Carthage Fire Depts. Illinois State Police, McDonough County and Hancock County Sheriff's Department assisted.
The U.S. Marines gave a 21-gun salute and taps were played as local veterans and legion members from Hancock and McDonough County stood with flags at attention.
Casket Bearers were Engineer Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, United States Marine Corps.
Kevin Taylor, Shawn Cargill, Ben Fark and Brock Finch were honorary Casket Bearers.
The community extends its sympathy to the Palmers.