Hundreds line funeral route for SC Guardsman killed in Afghanistan - Army

Hundreds line funeral route for SC Guardsman killed in #Afghanistan

Hundreds of people stood shoulder to shoulder Saturday morning on a mile-long stretch of U.S. 378 in Lexington to pay respects to 1st Lt. Ryan Rawl, one of three S.C. National Guard soldiers being buried this weekend. Rawl's casket was carried to Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church in a caisson pulled by two white horses. A troop of Richland County Sheriff’s deputies led the procession, and they were followed by bagpipers, Rawl’s family and a military honor guard. Along the sidewalks, people from all walks of life held American flags and posters expressing their gratitude for Rawl's service. Workers in businesses along the route paused from their jobs, joined by Boy Scouts, bikers, military veterans and others. Advertisement Rawl's funeral service lasted a little more than an hour, with S.C. National Guard officials presenting the family Rawl’s service medals. A host of dignita...

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