FAREWELL TO AN AMERICAN SOLDIER

BRIAN BROWNING - OUR HOMETOWN HERO

A SOLDIER'S PRAYER

by: Jesse J. Sparks

It's time to sleep -I've been relieved

My rifle at my side- My knife in it's sheath

Lord let me live another day - As I put myself in harms way

I made a choice - I took an oath

I stand for freedom - but I don't boast

My God, My country, my family - The things I hold so dear

With these all on my side - There is nothing for me to fear

But if I should fall before my next relief - I will stand before you Lord with honor and dignity

So, while I am here please make me strong - To fight the battles and right what's wrong

ARMY SPECIALIST BRIAN BROWNING LAID TO REST.

"You clearly saw the outpouring from the community," said Brian's father, Perry Browning, at a reception after the ceremony. "We had old friends, new friends, the parents of soldiers in Brian's unit. ... The support has been phenomenal…."

Brian's mother, Paula Browning, said, "They couldn't have given him a better send off,"

The funeral was led by the Oregon National Guard in Camp Rilea's Memorial Warrior Hall, after a procession through downtown Astoria led by the Patriot Guard motorcycle unit, police cars from local cities, the Sheriff’s Department local firefighters and the Oregon state police, with community lined up on the streets to show their respects to a hometown hero, as the motorcade passed.


A large group of dignitaries, several branches of law enforcement, military, friends and family. Our community paid their respects and said farewell to one of our own fallen soldiers. The son of Perry and Paula Browning., Army specialist Brian Browning, who died during active duty in Iraq.

The ceremony began with the sound of bagpipes by the Portland Police Bureau Highland Band. A touching slide show to the song, by Lee Greenwood, ‘God Bless the USA’, brought tears and some laughs as Brian Browning was shown growing up as a child into the soldier he became.

Governor Kulongoski, called Browning a soldier and Hero that our Nation and community could be proud of. A young man of only 20 years old, who died Feb. 6 in Iraq, offers hope to other young men and women looking to improve their own lives. Browning's death has brought dark clouds and grief to the North Coast and to Oregon. Kulongoski also wished that our community soon see a rainbow, after such a dark day like today. "When we see rainbows, we see their colors and read the unmistakable message of hope….Life is a rainbow which also includes black…..As we gather to mourn a young man who was the best Oregon could give, we know these words are true." He ended his comments with God Bless Brian’s friend’s and family this community and May God Bless the USA, then Kulongoski then presented the family with the State of Oregon flag.













Maj. Gen. Fred Rees thanked Spc. Browning for his service and "nobility." "Thank you for honoring us, the people of the United States," said Rees. "Thank you for putting service before self, putting your mission first and never admitting defeat."

On behalf of the President of the United States, members of the United States Army presented, Browning’s parents with the Purple Heart for wounds he received in action…the ultimate sacrifice for our Country and the Bronze Star for meritorious service,

The family was also presented the Army good conduct medal, The Iraq Campaign Medal service medal, the Global war on Terror medal and the Combat Infantryman’s badge.

The service concluded , with Brian’s parents, being presented with the American flag that draped their son’s Coffin. With hands over hearts and all military and law enforcement saluting during the rifle salute and while a single bugle played Taps ....a community said their final farewell to our own hometown hero. Army Specialist, Brian Browning.

Spc. Brian Browning was a part of a long family history of military service. Brian's father, Perry, served in the Navy, his grandfather Roy retired from the U.S. Navy, his uncle Doug retired from the Army. His uncle Leon is retired Army National Guard and TJ, his cousin is currently in the Oregon National Guard.