Israel O'Bryan's Funeral

On Monday, June 21, 2010, we said our final goodbyes to Israel at the Wilmot Lutheran Church.

The family all gathered at the church starting around noon, waiting for the 2 p.m. start. It was a somber gathering because we all knew that we would be saying goodbye to a son, husband, father, brother and friend.

People began arriving and filling the church. We expected a large crowd because Israel was a hero, someone that we all needed to thank for the ultimate sacrifice he gave for all of us.

The Patriot Guard had placed American flags along the walk to the church and it was an amazing sight to look out and see how many people were standing outside of the church with flags. Every time I glanced out it would cause me to get a lump in my throat.

Because it was a full military funeral myself and others were honorary pallbearers. As the family filed in, it was very quiet, with only the organ making much noise.

The service began quite normal until a Native American group entered unannounced and proceeded to stand in front of the casket during the readings. I understand they were paying their respects for a fallen hero, but at the same time it took away from the service a bit.

After the readings, the speakers began. Renato, a member of Izzy's fraternity spoke first. It had been my honor to speak to him and other members about the funeral and about Izzy. Renato spoke very eloquently about Israel and his sacrifices, and how as a member of the fraternity, their goal was to ensure Turner would have a college fund waiting for him in the future.

Next Governor Rounds spoke. He spoke of the sacrifices Israel had made for our country and said that though he did not have the opportunity to spend much time in South Dakota, the state should consider him a native son, for he would be spending forever there. It made me proud to call South Dakota my home state. To see someone of this stature recognize Izzy was amazing.

I feel foolish that I do not remember the name of the Army representative that spoke. I believe he was a Brigadier General, but it escapes me. His was also a great speech and afterwards they presented Brenna with Israel's final medals, which included the Purple Heart. That scene brought tears to my eyes knowing what was done to receive them.

My brother Graham followed with the obituary. I am amazed at how well he was able to hold it together during it and was even able to bring some humor into it with great stories about Izzy, especially about how when Brenna was able to meet my brother-in-law Scott in Kuwait, and how he called him "the creepy old guy" that was hitting on Brenna.

After the songs and Pastor Steve's sermon, which made even him choke up, we began the slow journey to Israel's final resting place.

As we came out of the church, it made my heart swell with pride to see all the flags again. Thanks goes out to the Patriot Guard for making this happen. It really helped bring home how much of a hero Israel is.

The motorcycles roared to life again and led the procession out to the cemetery. Along the way individuals had stopped to pay their respects, some with flags, some saluting, others simply holding their hands over their hearts.

When we arrived at the cemetery, it was amazing to see all the people flanking the grounds holding flags. I still get goose bumps thinking about that awesome show of respect for a fallen hero.

As we gathered under the tent at the cemetery, it really started to hit home that this was it. We would never see Israel again.

We've all seen movies where the 21-gun salute is given, but this time I couldn't hold it back and tears began to stream out. My grandmother was near me and I had to put an arm around her because it was such a stirring moment. The presentation of the flag to Brenna and Israel's mother and father was also very difficult. It brought a finality to everything that was hard to take.

Pastor Steve invited anyone that wanted to to approach the casket one final time. I was lucky enough to have had Israel's name for the two Christmases he was part of our family. This last year I had planned to get several Georges St. Pierre cards and have them framed for him, but ended up getting him a Colts jersey instead. I had brought one of the cards I had gotten early, and as Dean placed a cigar on the casket, I added the card. I cried the entire time I walked up, placed it on, and walked away. Scott added a pin that I didn't get a chance to see and then the casket was lowered into the ground.

I'm so glad Tracy was there for me. I pray every day that no one else I know ever has to go through this.

After the casket was lowered into the ground, we began to file out quietly. Though Israel was gone, he will never be forgotten. During Pastor Steve's sermon, he implored everyone to never let Izzy's memory die, and to tell Turner when he is older how great of a man his father is. I hope that we all keep this promise and share all the great stories we know. I know I will try to do just that.