|
The community memorial service was at 6 p.m. Friday at All Veterans Park on Union Street in
Lincoln.
Trussel, 21, was wounded May 26 while supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom. He was in Tahrir, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device
detonated near his position. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
His funeral was a few weeks ago in Danville.
The community service was to show respect and support Trussel's
friends and family. Trussel's wife, Jodi Nicole Swingle Trussel, and
two sons, ages 2 and 4, and family members attended.
 Trussel graduated from DeLand-Weldon High School in 2003. He
attended Lincoln College in 2004 and joined the Army in 2005. He
deployed for Iraq in October 2006.
His wife and children remain here.
Speaking to honor Trussel and all those who continue to serve in
defense of our country was Illinois Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn. Also
present were Illinois Sens. Larry Bomke and Bill Brady, officials
from the city of Lincoln, and veterans representing AMVETS Post 71,
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1756 and Lincoln American Legion Post
263. Numerous military, local law enforcement officers and firemen
were also present in full uniform.
Neighbors to Nations Pastor Tony Shuff led prayer and shared some
last words spoken by Frank. According to his wife, Jodi, "His boys
were his life. What he did, he did for his family and these boys, as
well as his country."
Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis offered the family condolences and deepest
sympathy on behalf of the Lincoln City Council. She then
introduced the lieutenant governor.
 Quinn aligned Trussel's intentions and sacrifice with those
who have gone before to establish this country as a democracy. He
correlated the fittingness of being in the city first named for
Abraham Lincoln, as well as this being on the eve of what we
celebrate as our country's birthday.
The following remarks are attributed to Lt. Gov. Quinn: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address summed up the essence of our country
and democracy. Those men and women who started our country believed
in democracy, and believed in what Lincoln said: …of the people, by
the people and for the people; it shall not perish from this earth.
[to top of second column] |
 At Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln believed in people
who gave their
last full measure of devotion for the cause of democracy. "And
that's what Frank Trussel did for us."
Quinn further identified Trussel as worthy of being called "hero."
It is important to remember our soldiers today, those in active duty
and our veterans; they are volunteers; they go forward in the face
of danger.
Words found in the Old Testament, in the book written by Isaiah,
read: "Here I am Lord. I will go if you lead me, and I hold your
people in my heart."
We have been held in the heart of Frank Trussel. He was not given a
long life, but it was a life well-lived.
It is especially important for the young people in Lincoln, and in
Illinois, to remember the likes of Frank Trussel, his willingness to
volunteer, sacrifice and to go forward in the face of danger.
 Sept. 11, 2001, we knew that our lives had been changed and that
it was our duty to defend what Abraham Lincoln talked about at
Gettysburg -- democracy; to protect democracy from the forces of
terrorism and those who want to extinguish the opportunity of
everyday people to govern themselves.
Quinn challenged that we need to remember at this time, and
every day, the sacrifice of our soldiers. He likened the third verse of
"America the Beautiful" to what Trussel and other soldiers have and
are giving.
"O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife; who more than
self their country loved, and mercy more than life!"
Frank Trussel is a hero, proved in liberating strife. He loved his
country more than self and mercy more than life!
I think everyone gathered here today will say every day: God bless
the immortal soul of Frank Trussel. We love you, Frank, and we
always will. (End of lieutenant governor's remarks)
[Jan
Youngquist]
 |
