County officials honor the hometown hero
L'ANSE -- As one Baraga County Commissioner put it, “June 27th, 2011 will forever be remembered as Robert Voakes, Jr. Day.” Specialist Voakes was killed earlier this month while serving in Afghanistan.
On Monday morning, dozens watched as a flag was raised and then lowered to half staff. The honor guard gave a three-volley salute and a bugle began to play “Taps.” In many ways the tribute was typical, but it was also the community's special way of thanking the Voakes family for giving them a hero.
"Everyone really wanted to let the family know that we're not forgetting them, and we'll never forget what Robert did for us and for this country,” said Baraga County Prosecutor Joseph O’Leary. “He really did make the world a better place."
Senator Tom Casperson spoke briefly to the family, sharing his condolences and inviting them to visit Lansing where they would be honored by the Senate and the House.
Congressman Dan Benishek seemed to choke up as he addressed the family's loss.
"My daughter served in Iraq and Afghanistan and to have the death of your son or daughter, I just can't imagine it,” said Benishek. “Words can't express the sorrow that I feel, too, because I know what that loss would be."
The family didn't want to say anything on camera, but they did tell me they've been overwhelmed in the weeks following Robert’s death, especially by all the letters they've received. They said they are truly thankful for everyone's support.
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