Funeral held for Specialist James Roland Burnett Jr. who was killed in Iraq
Specialist James Roland Burnett Jr., a 2009 graduate of Clearwater High School in Clearwater, Kansas, was killed Nov. 16 when his unit was attacked in the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, according to a news release from Gov. Jay Nixon’s office.
His funeral was held Nov. 26 at Lowndes in Wayne County. U.S. and Missouri flags at government buildings in 114 Missouri counties flew at half-mast in memory of Burnett.
“As we observe our national day of Thanksgiving, it is especially appropriate to thank God for the men and women who serve in our military,” Nixon said in a news release. “When Missourians see the lowered flags this weekend, I would ask that they remember the sacrifice, bravery and dedication of Specialist Burnett. Out thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn for him.”
According to U.S. Central Command statistics, 18 U.S. soldiers were killed in November 2011. 4,444 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq since 2003.
MU student Lee Banov said he appreciates the effort U.S. soldiers have put into defending their country.
“Soldiers provide great service to the country, and it is very sad that any soldiers could die while they do the service,” he said. “I feel safe because of what they have done for us.”
MU ROTC student Macauley Stubbs said U.S. soldiers simply are doing their jobs.
“It is our job to follow the orders by President Obama and to help people who need help,” he said. “Not that we aren’t scared of it, but it is our responsibility to go and help people.”