|
|
 |
 |
by Don Singleton and Leo Standora
The long, sad goodbye to New York soldier-Firefighter Christian Engeldrum came to a ceremonial end yesterday amid a sea of his fellow heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.
More than 200 cops, firefighters and National Guardsmen - many weeping openly - stood at attention with Engeldrum's grieving family around his gleaming silver coffin as it was set among the nation's bravest in their final resting place.
Engeldrum's pregnant wife, their two teen sons and his mother held hands tightly during the 21-gun salute and fought back tears as a military bugler played the mournful taps.
Leaden skies, a steady drizzle and a chill in the air added an extra touch of somberness to the ceremony, but one of Engeldrum's buddies from Ladder 61 thought it was just perfect.
"I think Drum would get a real kick out of this kind of send-off," whispered Fire Lt. Michael Owney, 47. "This is a fitting tribute to a great soldier and a great man."
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
