A Marine's peaceful sunset

Lance Cpl. Noah Pier couldn't wait to get back to Hawaii in June. After his deployment in Afghanistan, he would marry his sweetheart amid summer's beauty. Tragically, those plans were derailed on Tuesday, when Lance Cpl. Pier was killed in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

The Charlotte Observer has a nice report on the Marine's life. Reporter David Perlmutt writes that Pier also served in Iraq, and was well-respected by his company, which gave him the nickname of "big brother." Pier was also revered by the Queen City, which is coming together to honor the fallen hero.

Pier's body will be flown to Wilson Air Center near Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. It will be given a motorcycle escort to McEwen by N.C. members of the Patriot Guard Riders. They'll set up a "flag line" with American flags at the funeral home and at Forest Hill.

"We stand in honor of those who've given the ultimate sacrifice to maintain our freedom," said Keith Arbuckle of Concord, a Vietnam veteran and the guard's assistant N.C. captain. "They are due that respect."

Since childhood, when he'd play war with his five siblings, Pier wanted to serve in the military. But as his mother noted, he also wanted to join a cause he believed in. America's post-9/11 struggle gave him the opportunity to live his dream.

Before his deployment to Afghanistan, Noah Pier got to experience the paradise of Hawaii, which included many gorgeous sunsets over its clear waters. Worlds apart, Afghan and Iraqi children will be free to witness future sunsets, thanks to the sacrifice of brave Americans who helped bring peace to their ancient lands.