News

Dignitaries to pay respects to Gen. Downing

Posted July 20, 2007 11:00 pm

ANDY KRAVETZ

The leaders of America's military elite will gather at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Saturday morning to honor Gen. Wayne Downing, a man who has come to epitomize the Ranger motto: "Rangers lead the way."

Generals from the Marines, Air Force, Navy and Army Special Operations Commands and the former commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command will be among those who have come to the village for Downing's funeral Mass.

Downing, 67, a retired four-star general, former commander of the nation's Special Forces and the man picked by President Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to be the point man for counterterrorism, died early Wednesday. An official cause of death has not been determined but Downing was suffering from bacterial meningitis and multiple myeloma, a cancer which appeared to be have been in his lymph system.

Expected to give eulogies at the 10 a.m. service are Ross Perot; Lt. Gen. Robert Wagner, the head of the Army's Special Operations Command; one of Downing's stepsons; and 1962 West Point graduate James Kimsey, who co-founded America Online and served with Downing in Vietnam.

Several members of Downing's West Point class are expected to come pay tribute to him as well as others who served with him during his various commands.

The church, 904 E. Lake Ave., had a decidedly military feel Friday afternoon as two dozen or so GIs representing all the Special Operations units, which include the Navy SEALs, the Army's Green Berets, the Marines' Recon units and the Air Force Air Commandos and pararescuemen, practiced for the Mass.

All were selected for the honor by their respective commanders.

And of course, the Army's Rangers were there, distinctive by their tan berets. Downing has been hailed as the father of the modern Rangers. He was the man handpicked to help reform the Rangers after World War II, and the belief is strong that his influence and guidance has helped shape the Special Forces into what they are now.

Flags representing the different branches greeted people as they entered the church. Outside, a team of Rangers fired three volleys on their M4 carbines before standing at attention as two buglers played the mournful and haunting strains of "Taps." Another group, acting as pallbearers carried a flag-draped casket. Salutes were crisp. Footsteps were in unison.

Even the recessional song was steeped in patriotism, "God Bless America."

It was evident that to these troops, there is a deep sense of respect and honor for the general.

This morning, the fatigues and everyday uniforms will be replaced by formal attire, and the pews will be filled.

Lt. Col. Tim Nye, of the Army's Special Operations Command said a MC-130, a modified version of the planes flown by the local Air National Guard unit, would fly over the church at the conclusion of the service, officiated by the Rev. Thomas Taylor, and military honors.

Because of the large turnout expected, Peoria Heights and Peoria police are working together to coordinate traffic. It is anticipated that only the stretch of Lake Avenue in front of the church will be closed down. There is also overflow parking at Peoria Stadium.

Andy Kravetz can be reached at (309) 686-3283 or akravetz@pjstar.com.

Article Categories
News