RIP Michael Phillips

Today my cousin Michael died, of brain cancer. He served 11 years in the US Marine Corp. When he was first diagnosed he was upset, not because he was dying but because it meant he was forced to accept medical discharge and could no longer serve.

Semper Fi SSgt Michel Phillips
See you again someday cousin

So sad,my deepest condolences to you and his family.

So sorry for your loss GuybrushThreepwood. From what you said he loved his country and served his country to keep us all safe. My sympathy to you and his family.

My Condolences for you and your cousins family. May he rest in peace.

My condolences. May he rest in peace.

Ana

I am very sorry for your loss.

My heartfelt condolences go out to you, Guybrush and Michael's family.

Sorry to hear of your loss; prayers for strength.

condolences to you and your family for the loss of your cousin. Terrible thing to happen to one who served our country bravely.

Oh, Guybrush, what a lovely tribute. I am so sorry for your loss, which is a loss for all of us.

I am so sorry for your loss Guybrush.

Thank you all.

Aw so sorry for your loss! Sending HUGS and prayers. May he rest in peace!

HUGS
Nan

My prayers go out to your families.

sorry for your loss. our thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and all the family

my prayers go out to you and your family.

Condolences to you and yours Guybrush.

I am so sorry for your loss Guybrush. Condolences to you and your family.

Midgie

I'm so sorry for your loss and the loss of a fine Marine who served so that we may live free.
Andrea

I just got back from the funeral. Had to leave the reception afterwards to get ready for work. At the funeral home a half dozen Patriot Guard Riders stood guard over the entrance. I had wondered if they would show. Inside were a couple dozen Marines in full dress uniform, including Michael's younger brother. Six acted as pallbearers. Another cousin is an Airman and he was in uniform as well. At the cemetery I noticed two Sailors, a man and a woman (there uniform pants are white). The Marines I saw were all male.

The Patriot Guard Riders escorted the processional to the cemetery and stood back respectfully as the Marines saluted the coffin bearing their brother in arms. Seven other Marines carried out the 21 gun salute. As two Marines folded the American flag and third approached, saluted the flag and place the spent cartridges inside the folds. After the flag was folded the Marine not holding it saluted it. The one holding it passed it to the other, then he saluted it. After the flag was handed to Michael's grieving mother, Susan, thanking her for her son's service to his country, one of the Patriot Guard Riders came over to thank her for her son's service too.

According to Michael's mother, his last whispered words before he could no longer speak were the words of the Lord's Prayer.

Oh Goodness, Guybrush, that made me cry.

It sounds like it was a beautiful ceremony.

My sincere condolences for your loss, GuybrushThreepwood, to you and to all the family

GuybrushT,

Condolence to you and family. Michael's life is a great example for all. The ceremony is touching.

What's really impressive is the Marines move together in silence. The only time I heard an audible command was for the 21 gun salute. Until then and after they didn't say a word, except when handing the flag to the parents. Michael wasn't married, no children, he did leave behind a cat and a dog. Which his parents are carrying for now (they had them when he deployed).

My sister who stayed at the reception longer found out that the Marines who serve at funerals are a reserve unit which specializes in funerals, they want to do this for Marine families.


Thank you again.

Today, July 3 would have been Michael's birthday. Tomorrow is his favorite holiday.

I hope you guys raise a glass to his memory <hugs>