Fair Winds & Following Seas Petty Officer Trahan

Fallen Sailor Laid To Rest

"American Hero" honored after being killed in Iraq

Updated: Wednesday, 13 May 2009, 1:07 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 13 May 2009, 12:30 PM EDT
Karen Rezendes

FREETOWN, Mass. (WPRI) - A local sailor described as an "American Hero" and a "Patriot" is laid to rest today after he was killed in Iraq. Funeral services are being held for 22-year-old Petty Officer, second class Tyler Trahan of Freetown.

His funeral service is taking place at St. John Neumanns Church in East Freetown. The funeral procession will leave the church and proceed to the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
Trahan's family has allowed the media to cover the funeral service, as well as the emotional ceremony when Trahan's body was brought back to New England.

Just days after Trahan and two others were killed in Iraq trying to disarm a bomb, his body was flown from Dover Delaware to T.F. Green Airport. In a solemn ceremony, his family members shared hugs and linked arms, comforting each other as his flag-draped casket was removed from the plane. Saturday's ceremony was the first of its kind in this area in a decade, according to Navy officials.

Trahan leaves behind his parents, siblings, his girlfriend, friends and many others.

He was a third generation serviceman, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who also served in the military. He joined the Navy after graduating from Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical School where he was a national honor society member and star quarterback.

Trahan was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Twelve of Norfolk, Virginia, and was temporarily assigned to a SEAL team based in Virginia Beach.