In Memoriam

Hundreds line streets in North Adams for Marine's burial

 

Friday, November 11, 2005

By Brad Flory

bflory@citpat.com -- 768-4925

NORTH ADAMS -- Beneath a sun-streaked sky and tear-dampened cheeks, Marine Sgt. Michael P. Hodshire was buried Thursday in his hometown.

Mourners gathered for the funeral and lined the streets by the hundreds to lay to rest to the first member of the military from Hillsdale County killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hodshire, 25, a six-year Marine infantryman, was killed Oct. 30 by an improvised explosive device during combat operations near Nasser Wa Salaam, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

He was serving in his second deployment to Iraq.

"Michael Hodshire died for our freedom. It is incumbent on us to live to make men free," State Rep. Bruce Caswell, R-Pittsford, told the mourners.

"The easy way is to make excuses when things get tough, and look the other way. Michael Hodshire did not do that."

More than 700 people attended the funeral service at North Adams-Jerome High School.

Red, white and blue ribbons were wrapped around trees and townspeople solemnly held flags along the 1 1/2 mile procession from the school to Northlawn Cemetery, where Hodshire was buried with full military honors.

Jeremiah Hodshire, uncle to Michael and undersheriff of Hillsdale County, recalled him as a fun-loving boy who grew into a committed military man.

"Without a doubt, he could put a smile on the most stern faces," said Jeremiah Hodshire.

As an adult, he "resolved to commit his total resources" to serving his country, Jeremiah Hodshire said.

"He gave his life for his friends."

Hodshire was born in Montpelier, Ohio, and grew up there and in North Adams. He graduated from North Adams-Jerome High School in 1999 and entered the Marine Corps four days later.

He was previously assigned to the Marine Corps Color Guard and Silent Drill Platoon, elite units that provide ceremonial support to the president and Capitol in Washington.

Hodshire is survived by his father, Edwin; mother, Tarry Eicher; stepmother Kelly Hodshire; sons Thomas Hodshire and Andrew Rios; brother, Kody; sisters, Kaili Hodshire, Kamie Yarwood and Kim Sharp; fiancee Wendie Stoll; and grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

One of his high school teachers, Mary Halley, recalled asking Hodshire if he was sure about his decision to join the Marine Corps.

"He said, 'Didn't you always want to be a teacher? It's the same for me.'" Halley said.

Hodshire was buried on the 230th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"He was in the Marines to win our freedom," Halley said. "He will be in our hearts forever, winning our respect, our honor and love."