Unbroken strings

Image courtesy: U.S. Marines

As an estimated 5,000 people paid respects to Lance Cpl. Abram Howard on Thursday in a Williamsport, Pennsylvania, auditorium, a guitar sat silently near an aisle. As songs enjoyed by the Marine played gently over the loud speaker, mourners got a unique, musical glimpse at his life.

The Sun Gazette reports that the visitation, which also included a moving tribute video, deeply affected folks who came to show support for the Howard family.

"I would have stood for 10 hours," said Steve Berger, who was with his wife, Elaine, and their sons.

Mark Maroney's article said Lance Cpl. Howard had an all-American childhood that included the Cub Scouts, football, wrestling, and orchestra. During his high school years, he also displayed a genuine respect for authority that is uncommon among today's teens. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps almost immediately after graduation in 2007, and later deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After attaining the rank of Lance Corporal, Howard would deploy overseas again with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve.

According to the Pentagon, the 21-year-old Marine was killed on July 27 in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province. An obituary said Lance Cpl. Howard died at Bastion Medical Center after being wounded while supporting combat operations.

Judging by comments left in an online tribute group that accompanies the obituary, fellow Marines are still coming to grips with the loss of their well-liked brother in arms.

"Our son LCPL Jason Sestina was serving in Afghanistan with Abe. When Jason called to tell us what happened to Abe, we could hear the sadness in his voice," Don and Ricki Sestina posted. "Jason and Abe had attended MP School and MCT together. Jason had only positive things to say of your son. Your family and that of the Unit serving from North Versailles have suffered a great loss. May our dear Lord bless and comfort you and grant you His peace."

Lance Cpl. Howard is survived by his parents, brother, sister, and maternal grandparents. As the fallen hero is buried today in Williamsport, fellow Marines carry his memory on the battlefield.

"We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. My husband, CPL Shane Weyant, continues to serve with Company Bravo in Afghanistan," Krissa Weyant wrote. "He was honored to serve beside your son, and his life has been forever touched by Abram. Please accept our most sincere condolences and know that you will remain in our thoughts and prayers."

At the end of Thursday's five-hour visitation, the guitar once played by the brave Marine was still quiet. Yet its strings remained intact, with no signs of breaking anytime soon. As his father and brother strum the instrument in years to come, music that filled the life of Lance Cpl. Abram Howard will be loud, unmistakable, and impossible to forget.



Note: The Howard family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Abram L. Howard Scholarship for an outstanding student at Williamsport Area High School, made payable to WASD Education Foundation, 201 W. Third St. Williamsport, PA 17701.