Jim Fair
An honor guard carries the flag-draped casket of Pfc. Adam Corey Ross to his final resting place.
Jim Fair
The family of Pfc. Adam Corey Ross is presented an American flag recognizing his service and sacrifice to the United States.
Jim Fair
One bullet each from the 21-gun salute is tucked into each corner of the flag that is given to Pfc. Adam Ross' mother and father.
Jim Fair
A military officer kneels in prayer at the casket of Pfc. Adam Corey Ross at the end of todays funeral with full military honors.
Ross was killed July 24 in an ambush in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.
Kevin Nix, uncle of Ross, provided a eulogy and the Rev. Mike Bowling conducted the service and read a poem written by a member of Ross’ unit in Afghanistan.
A moving part of the funeral was when Amanda Ross (the soldier’s mother) and Rachel “BB” Lowery, his fiancée, released a dove, symbolizing the message of hope and remembrance. The releasing of doves expresses a final goodbye.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded in action and posthumously to the next of kin for those who are killed in action or die of wounds. The Bronze Star a U.S. Medal for heroic or meritorious achievement or service.
Other military honors presented to Ross’ immediately family included: Army Accommodation Medal, Army Good Conduct Award, Afghanistan Campaign Award, Global War on Terrorism award and the NATO medal.