Crowd says final goodbye to soldier

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - It was a solemn ceremony to honor a fallen hero from Williamsville. Army Specialist Blake Whipple was laid to rest Monday morning in front of a crowded congregation, including many people who didn't even know him.

The WNY community continued its outpouring of support. And during the funeral mass, the dad of the fallen soldier told everyone that mere words cannot begin to express how grateful his family is.

They lined Maple Road in Amherst to honor a fallen hero. Dozens of students held their hand over their heart as the funeral procession for Army Specialist Blake Whipple arrived at St. Gregory the Great.

St. Gregory the Great's Principal Patricia Freund said, "I think we are always teaching our children about how important freedoms are in America and that flag represents those freedoms and that Blake gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can continue to have that freedom."

The 21-year-old soldier was killed earlier this month when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Inside the church, Father Joseph Gatto offered comfort through prayer to his grieving family and friends.

Father Gatto said, "Blessed is the soldier who in the last year and a half showed us a different side of the presence of God, a commitment to hard work."

Whipple graduated from Williamsville East in 2007. His heartbroken dad repeatedly fought back tears as he delivered the eulogy.

David Whipple said, "He was fearless in fulfillment of his duty and it wasn't an arrogance. There was a confidence of being a well-trained soldier committed to doing his job."

Specialist Whipple touched the lives of many people, including those who didn't even know him, but came to pay their respects. Once again, members of the Patriot Guard Riders formed a flag line of honor.

Patriot Guard rider Bill Brainard said, "No matter he was a specialist or a two-star general, he fought for this country. He wore a uniform and we're here to pay respects."

The large turnout brought some degree of comfort to this military family, who acknowledged that all the prayers are carrying them during this difficult time.

The soldier is survived by his parents and two older brothers. After mass, the funeral motorcade continued on to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where Specialist Whipple was buried with full military honors.

You can pay your respects to Army Specialist Blake Whipple here.