Sgt. Dale Griffin laid to rest

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Wednesday was a Veterans Day many will never forget, as Sgt. Dale Griffin is laid to rest at Highland Lawn Cemetery in Terre Haute.

Twenty-nine-year-old Sgt. Griffin, of Terre Haute, died in Afghanistan two weeks ago. Griffin, along with six other soldiers and an Afghan interpreter, died when their armored vehicle ran into an improvised explosive device.

The final goodbye to Sgt. Dale Griffin was certainly a difficult one for friends and family, as they gathered around the burial site at Highland Lawn Cemetery.

Flags lined the gates as the burial procession for Sgt. Dale Griffin entered Highland Lawn Cemetery.

The honor guard carried Sgt. Griffin's flag draped casket to the site for the traditional military funeral. It began with the highest honor, the 21-gun salute.

The honor guard continued on with the flag-folding ceremony. Each fold representing something different. The first, a symbol of life and the last, an emblem of eternity. Leaving only the blue field with stars visible, the chaplain presented the flag to the parents of Sgt. Griffin. On behalf of a grateful nation and U.S. Army, the flag is a token of appreciation for Sgt. Griffin's honorable and faithful service.

As Gene and Dona Griffin held on to the flag and each other, they held on to the memory of their son, Sgt. Dale Griffin.