Sergeant Terry Lynch funeral held at St. Bernard's in Billings

Michaelotti-Sawyers Mortuary

Today was a sad day for St. Bernard’s parish and for the many others who were affected by the death of Sergeant Terry Lynch. His funeral Mass was held at St. Bernard’s in Billings Heights which was filled with hundreds of mourners. In attendance were Governor Brian Schweitzer, General Michaels, commander of the 10^th Army Mountain Division, of which Terry was a member, as well as other members of the 10^th Division. There were also many members and former members of all divisions of the armed services. In addition many family members, friends and others came to say goodbye to Terry. Sgt. Lynch is survived by his father, Charlie and his sister Kristin. Sgt. Terry’s mother, Robyn and his brother, David preceded him in death.

Terry Lynch’s death was a tragedy, because he died at the young age of 22 and there was so much he could have offered to the world. Lynch’s armored vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb on June 29^th in the Wardak province of Afghanistan.  The attack in which Terry died may have been random, but his sacrifice means something because he died for a great cause. Terry Lynch died for freedom, for America and for the people of Afghanistan. General Michaels awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart to Sgt. Lynch posthumously. The awards were received by his father Charlie. General Michaels remarked, “We have little time between birth and death. What we choose to do with that time is very important. Terry chose well. He brought great honor to his family and to his country. I am humbled by his service.”

Fr. David Reichling, who was the celebrant at the funeral Mass, remarked that for Christians sleep is death and it is Jesus who awakes us to eternal life. Jesus, Fr. David said, described Lazarus as sleeping, before he raised him from the dead. Though Terry’s death is sad for us, for him it is the gateway to a new life. Fr. David also said that Terry is not far away from his family in the next world, but he is right in front of them, looking them in the eyes and praying for them.

Sgt. Lynch was buried with military honors at the cemetery in Shepherd. A large convoy of cars and made the journey. The Patriot Guard Riders provided a motorcycle escort. The route along the highway was decorated with thousands of yellow ribbons, placed by many volunteers. Large numbers of people also stood on the roadside to honor Terry Lynch by holding flags and yellow ribbons.

It is clear that Sgt. Terry Lynch will be remembered by many as the hero that he truly was. May he rest in peace.