Gov. M. Jodi Rell shakes hands with members of the Patriot Guard Riders as they wait for the funeral procession for Marine Cpl. Christian Cotner, 20, who died in Iraq on May 30, on Saturday outside of Riverside Cemetery in Waterbury. ©Josalee Thrift / Republican-American
© ROBYN ADAMS REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
WATERBURY -- The ashes of Marine Cpl. Christian S. Cotner were buried with full military honors Saturday during a graveside service in the historic Riverside Cemetery.
Christian Cotner, 20, died May 30 in a nonhostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. The cause of his death is under investigation by the military.
Waterbury police escorted the procession of cars up the cemetery's hilly roads to Cotner's final resting place.
His ashes, placed in a wooden box, were transported in the back of a Casey-O'Donnell Family Funeral Home hearse followed by a stretch limousine. Inside the limo, were his parents, Karen and Graham Cotner, his brother, Eric, 21, and Eric's finance, Michelle Bibeau, 21.
More than 200 people including classmates from Wilby High School, a contingent of Marines from Plainville, state officials including Gov. M. Jodi Rell and members of the Marine Corps League of Waterbury stood in a circle around his grave, part of the First Congregational Church plot.
Marines fired a three-volley salute that is sounded during military funerals. In the distance, another Marine played taps in honor of the fallen, decorated soldier.
"We are here, all of you, Christian's parents and grandparents, his family and friends, to give him honor," said the Rev. Kenneth Frazier Jr., pastor of First Congregational. "We will not let you go without the honor due him for the way he lived."
The family and friends said Cotner, who was a member of Wilby ROTC, loved life. He was the boy who did not like car trips but lit up at the sight of steam engines in Essex. He loved to play video games, and recently sent his friends several hand-held video games from Iraq.
He was fearless of heights, loved to bungee jump, ride roller coasters, computers and flying remote-controlled airplanes.
Cotner enlisted in the Marines about two months after graduating from Wilby High in 2006. He was assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan. He arrived in Japan on April 12, 2007. A year later, he was promoted to the rank of corporal.
Since the war began in March 2003, more than 4,000 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq.
A memorial service was held later Saturday at First Congregational, the family's church. Many people wore tropical shirts and leis.
"This is the party Christian would have wanted," said his mother, Karen Cotner who thanked everyone including the Marines for the send-off given her son.
Cotner maintained a circle of friends from their days at Kingsbury School, North End Middle School and Wilby High. When they learned of his death, the "crew" as they are known, showed support to the family daily and did chores around the house.
Members of the crew talked about their close friend at the church and told stories that brought laughter in the crowd.
Among the crew who spoke were Tyrell Davis, A.J. Pelletier and Dennis Wright.
"I thought Christian was a goofy kid growing up," Pelletier said. "When he told me he was enlisting in the Marines, I had my opinions. But the real reason is because I was scared of what might happen and not seeing him again. But I came to realize he believed in it, and did something meaningful with his life. Christian Cotner was not like you or I. He was not only a soldier but a brother, son and friend of all. He stood up for what he believed in and had more courage than many of us. I will never forget him."
Christian Cotner's brother, Eric, 21, said he and his brother had difference of opinions and likes when growing up.
"I like the Red Sox. He liked the Yankees. I went to college. He wanted to go in the Marines. I remember the day he said he wanted to be a Marine. Our whole family worried about what would happen to him. But when he graduated, I immediately realized he wanted to be the best. I will always love him and keep him close to my heart."
Michelle Bibeau said Christian Cotner would always be her No. 1 hero.
Labels: Marine Cpl. Christian Cotner
