A viewing was held Sunday at Reid Funeral Home and Chapel
L'ANSE -- The body of Private First Class Robert Voakes, Jr. is home in L'Anse for the public to pay their final respects. Voakes was one of four soldiers killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan just a week ago.
A viewing was held Sunday at Reid Funeral Home and Chapel, just one day after he was flown back to the states into Houghton County Airport.
Tears left on the processional trail from Houghton County Airport Saturday, poured into L'Anse Sunday afternoon. Hundreds gathered at the Reid Funeral Home and Chapel to bid farewell to the fallen soldier.
Those who knew Voakes call him a well-liked, polite young man, and it's clear that in his short 21 years, he touched many.
"Very giving and loving, caring, kindhearted--he gave himself," said family friend and KBIC member, Debra Williamson. "We lost a wonderful person."
Friends, family, and members of the Keeweenaw Bay Indian Community spoke fondly of the hometown hero. By noon, more than 150 people had already come to pay their respects to Voakes and his family. More than half of them did not know Voakes personally.
An overwhelming sense of community was palpable, even just outside the funeral home. Strangers became neighbors to the Voakes family, as they lent their support.
"All our soldiers are our children, and I just want to honor him," said Patriot Guard Rider, Jeanie Jokinen of Iron Mountain.
"It's just important to let the family know that people here appreciate the sacrifice that their family members are making," added Pam Kivela, who visited from Marshfield, Wisconsin. "I felt a sense of duty to come and let them know that we are all supporting the family."
It's a wound too fresh for the family to touch on, but friends say prayer will help them heal.
"His mom said yesterday that she wants everybody to pray for the soldiers that are still over there; don't forget them," Williamson said.
Visiting hours will continue tomorrow for just an hour at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11 at the Baraga High School gym.
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