Flags lined the pavement outside of Lake Orion High School last Friday, as friends, family, and even some strangers, who just felt moved to show their support, reflected on the life of Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond Plouhar.
Plouhar died from wounds received during an apparent roadside bombing while on active duty in Iraq on June 26.
Supporters of the fallen soldier and his family remembered a man who was not afraid to act, and did so willingly to protect the freedom of those he loved, and even those he did not know.
‘There are times when men and women are going to be afraid,? said Pastor John Hoskins, of the Church of Jubilee in Owosso. ‘Thank God for people like Raymond, who are not afraid.?
The funeral took place in the LOHS auditorium, and LOHS Principal Todd Dunckley said it was probably the only venue in Plouhar’s hometown that could have accommodated all those that came out to pay their final respects.
‘The funeral home contacted the superintendent at the request of the family,? said Dunckley, who noted that the auditorium was near its capacity of 835 for the service.
‘Obviously, (the Plouhars) are well connected with the school and the community,? he said.
The Patriot Guard Riders of Michigan held a rally at the Home Depot on Lapeer Road prior to the funeral, and then traveled to LOHS, where they lined Scripps Road with American flags.
‘We’re here to honor a fallen hero, and I’m just glad to see the good turnout,? said ride captain Larry Helson, as the nearly 200 riders departed for the high school.
During the funeral itself, Hoskins shared the stage with many, including Plouhar’s father-in-law, the Rev. Deacon Owen Barker, from Chalice Ministries in Houston.
‘Grief confronts us on many sides,? Barker said. ‘Give time for wounds to heal.?
He encouraged the audience to turn their grief into joy for the quality of life that Raymond lived.
Other speakers included Plouhar’s former classmate Kerry McGettrick, LOHS teacher and distant relative Donn Hoganson, and Plouhar’s uncle, Tim Kennedy.
‘That man gave so much of himself it is unreal,? Kennedy said, as he told the story of Plouhar donating a kidney to him and saving his life.
‘Raymond, God bless you, and you will always be here with me,? Kennedy said.
Hoskins compared Plouhar to David, the Old Testament king who slew Goliath.
‘People say a lot of words, but it’s when you act on those words that you become a man of integrity,? he said ?(Raymond) not only said it, but he did it. He was a big man with a big heart.?
Barker agreed with that analysis.
‘My son-in-law chose to go where others would not and could not,? he said. ‘Staff Sergeant Raymond Plouhar, we humbly thank you.?
The Lest They Be Forgotten Organization presented the family with a flag, and Plouhar’s sister Marie read a poem her brother wrote during his first tour in Iraq.
Hoskins also recited the poem at the end of his sermon.
‘I think we’re talking about Superman today,? he said.
The funeral ended with Marine representatives presenting the Purple Heart to Plouhar’s wife, Leigha, and his parents, Raymond and Cindy, as bagpipes played ‘Amazing Grace.?
Plouhar’s body was then taken to the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.