Cache Valley Turns Out to Support Fallen Marine
Sep. 12, 2004

John Hollenhorst reporting

There was a big turnout in Logan Sunday, to honor a fallen Marine who died last week in a suicide bombing in Iraq.

The support for Lance Corporal Michael Allred is a prelude to what's expected to be a huge community event tomorrow in nearby Hyde Park.

Funerals are normally for family and close friends. But Corporal Allred's death has become a community experience.

The Hyde Park city council has declared a Day of Mourning tomorrow. They're hoping every resident and every flag in town will line the route of the funeral procession.

Patriotic images were everywhere, as friends, family and total strangers viewed Corporal Allred's flag-draped casket.

His family is grieving. But they say the outpouring of support from people they don't even know has helped them get through it.

Brett Allred, Michael's Father: "It's been an incredible experience that has just opened us up to what the human heart is capable of. It's been incredible."

Justin Jorgensen, Michael's Cousin: "I feel that the community acts that way because they know that he's a hero in everybody's eyes. He died fighting for what we all believe in. And he knew that what he was doing was right."

Corporal Allred was a Humvee driver. He died along with 6 other Marines, including Lance Corporal Quinn Keith of Blanding, .when a suicide bomber pulled along side their convoy in Fallujah.

The Allred family has set up a trust fund through Zion's Bank, the proceeds to go to a special fund at Camp Pendleton California.

Brett Allred, Michael's Father: "The money will be used to benefit the children of fallen Marines."

Following Allred's funeral, hundreds of people, perhaps thousands, are expected to watch the funeral procession as Michael's casket is driven to the Hyde Park City Cemetery.

Justin Jorgensen, Michael's Cousin: "I don't think if he was here that he would change anything that he has done. He believed very strongly in what he did. And that's why he did it."

Corporal Allred's funeral in Hyde Park will begin at 11am tomorrow. The funeral for his Marine compatriot, Quinn Keith, is Wednesday in Blanding.