Fallen Granby soldier remembered

Granby, Conn (WTNH) - A memorial service was held Monday night for a Granby soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Services were held for Army Specialist Richard C. Emmons III at Granby High School. Mourners came from all over the town, the state, and from as far away as New Jersey. They were family friends, high school students, best friends, and complete strangers, all paying respects to Richard Emmons III, Richie for short.

His polished metals and meticulously folded flag were surrounded by the Patriot Guard Riders. Hundreds gathered to say goodbye to Richie. He was killed on May 31st in Afghanistan, when his Humvee was hit by a rocket propelled grenade.

"I remember when he was graduating from boot camp. All the letters, calls and texts. I did not think he would be taken from us 10 months later. I know no one will forget Richie, and his bravery," Morgan Emmons, Richie's sister said.

His commander sent a letter from Afghanistan praising Richie's bravery and courage, while his friends from school remembered a best friend, and mourned his loss.

"The flag is at half staff for Richie's wake and funeral, but the flag will always be at half staff in my heart. Until Richie will meet us all again and raise the flag. Richie, you are an exceptional friend. I love you, and miss you," John Kyser, one of Richie's friends, said during the service.

Complete strangers traveled miles to pay their respects, to learn a little about a man who served for his country, and died for our freedom. His sister wrote a poem for her brother, for her family, and for those strangers who came to say goodbye to a hero.

"Life isn't fair, so you just have to keep on living. Sometimes you laugh, and sometimes you cry, but today, tomorrow, and forever, it is going to feel like something is missing. Every night we will pray that it is all a dream, but for my family we will have to wake up with an empty heart," said Morgan Emmons.

The auditorium at Granby High School holds 700 people, and at was filled to capacity.