source GAIA package: Sx_MilitaryTimes_M6200710703230311_5675.zip Origin key: Sx_MilitaryTimes_M6200710703230311 imported at Fri Jan 8 18:18:01 2016
Spc. Ross McGinnis was laid to rest Friday at Arlington National Cemetery in a traditional military ceremony, one befitting a young man who gave his life to save those of his fellow soldiers.
McGinnis, 19, of 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, was killed Dec. 4 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, when he used his body to smother a grenade thrown into his Humvee.
His actions are credited with saving the lives of the four other soldiers in the vehicle and he has been nominated for the nation's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. He already has been awarded the Silver Star for his actions.
The graveside services took place at 11 a.m. under a cloudless, early spring sky.
His parents, Tom and Romayne, were among two busloads of mourners who traveled all night from the fallen soldier's hometown, Knox, Pa.
They were accompanied on the journey by others traveling in cars and at least 60 members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that escorted the caravan.
As the buses, cars and motorcycles streamed into the cemetery, members of the Army Honor Guard snapped to attention.
At the gravesite, an urn containing McGinnis' ashes was placed on a green podium as the soldier's parents and others took their seats for the 20-minute service.
McGinnis' heroism led to "his name being written in history," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Bearfield.
Three of the soldiers who were in the Humvee with McGinnis attended the service.
One traveled from Germany; the other two were allowed to leave Iraq to be there. They were to return to the war zone shortly after paying their final respects.
