Family, friends, two governors bid farewell to soldier
By Erika Wurst Sun-Times Media January 21, 2012 8:22PM
Robert and Mary Patterson follow the coffin of their son, SPC Christopher A. Patterson, as they prepare him for his final resting place on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. | Donnell Collins~For Sun-Times Media
Memorials
Contributions in memory of Christopher Patterson may be directed to:
Valparaiso University, Attn: Spc. Christopher A. Patterson Scholarship Fund, Valparaiso University, Office of Advancement, 1100 Campus Drive South, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
West Aurora High School Music Department, Attn: Christopher Patterson Memorial Fund, 1201 W. New York St., Aurora, IL 60506.
Article Extras
Updated: February 23, 2012 8:24AM
BATAVIA, Ill. — On a cold and snowy January day, Bob and Mary Patterson said one final goodbye to their fallen soldier and son, Christopher Alexander Patterson.
With tears in their eyes, and the sound of bagpipes in the air, Christopher’s grief-stricken parents watched as the American flag draped over his brown casket was folded with sadness, precision and pride.
“We had (Christopher) for 20 years,” said Bob Patterson, of North Aurora. “He was our son, now he is your son. He was our brother, now he is your brother. He was our hero, now he is your hero.”
Christopher Patterson, a member of the Indiana National Guard, studied music education at Valparaiso University when he was called to war. He was killed in Afghanistan on Jan. 6, along with three other members of the 713th Engineering Company based in Valparaiso.
On Jan. 10, Patterson was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds he received while fighting in war, and a Bronze Star for his service. Bob and Mary Patterson were presented with the medals on Saturday.
“He was so proud, and so excited to serve our nation,” the Rev. Ronald Weidler said during the service at Immanuel Lutheran Church, which was attended by hundreds who wore black and red in memory of Patterson’s ginger-colored hair. “He loved (being a solider).”
But, as much as Patterson was a soldier, he was also a man of God and music, Weidler said. Saturday was meant to be a celebration of Patterson’s life, filled with memories, laughter and love.
‘For God. For Country. For Music.’
The Valparaiso Choir, of which Patterson was a member, took part in the service. Also present were members of the West Aurora High School Choir, which Patterson participated in before graduating in 2009.
“Christopher loved a good performance,” Bob Patterson said with a smile on his face and tears in his eyes. “He just loved performing with you guys ... the love came through your songs. Thank you.”
Bob Patterson, a former Navy member, couldn’t stop without thanking the servicemen and women who are still fighting overseas.
“(Christopher) would be so proud of you for carrying on that fight, and staying with the mission. You know that’s where he would want to be,” Bob Patterson said.
Christopher’s brother, Carl, a 2010 West Aurora High School graduate, joined the Marine Corps and completed training earlier this month. He stood solemnly by his parents’ side as he saluted the casket carrying his big brother.
“Marine Carl,” Weidler said, addressed the young man. “You don’t have to fill your brother’s big shoes ... but you’re filling your own. We are proud of you ... God bless you, Carl.”
Long remembered, well known
In freshly pressed uniforms, military members stood at attention next to leather-vested Freedom Riders as the bugler played taps.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn were both in the audience, and spoke about the brave, young man they never got to know personally, but recently met through the eyes of others.
“There are 6.5 million citizens of Indiana, and we love (Christopher), too,” Daniels said. “He will be long remembered, and well known...”
Those who knew him best recalled Patterson as an easy-going guy with a little kid smile. If you wanted a job done, and done right, Patterson was your go-to guy, Maj. Gen. Martin Umbarger said.
“He was a soldier’s solider,” Umbarger said. “He was a good man who was willing to put himself in harm’s way. We are two grateful states and one proud nation. You will never be forgotten.”
Red hair and silly smile
Christopher Patterson will undoubtedly live on in the memories of others, but also in pictures, which were displayed throughout the church on Saturday. In one photo, Christopher is a small boy, wearing the military cap of an adult.
“It was not a long chronological life, but it was a full life,” Quinn said. “Our faith teaches us that we will see Chris again, and thank him for his services.”
And while the loss of a brother, son and friend has devastated hundreds, those closest to Christopher are confident he is now resting peacefully with God.
“This is Christopher’s body,” Weidler said, pointing to the casket. “His spirit is with God. We know one day we will see him again.”
Comments Click here to view or make a comment