Honoring Those Who Serve Our Nation
BY ED HORN

Army leaders and personnel stood at attention as Rivadeneira's American flag-draped casket was carried from the hearse.

Army Spc. Jonathan Rivadeneira, 22 years of age, died in Iraq when a roadside bomb exploded near his convoy. He leaves behind his mother and a young wife who were preparing for his tour to end this December.

A photo of the young solider reveals a smiling face reflecting the type of personality that is a natural attraction. His death is a scar for the family that will never heal.

Unfortunately the mother joins a group of 35 mothers of Queens Latino soldiers serving in Iraq, all of whom have been wounded, killed or are listed as missing. Politics has nothing to do with honoring the young men and women who voluntarily have sworn a duty to protect our nation. Their service demands our thanks.

The family selected St. Michael's as the final resting place, in part because we had served the needs of the Gomez family in May 2006 who had lost their son, Sgt. Jose Gomez, in Iraq. At the time of the Gomez interment, a threat was made to protest the war by demonstrating in the cemetery. There was a possibility of violence. The Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcyclists, some of whom are veterans, chose to stand guard on that occasion.

A service for Rivadeneira was held at the gravesite.

As they had done for Gomez, the Patriot Guard Riders led the procession to the cemetery and to the gravesite for Rivadeneira. American flags festooned each motorcycle. Army leaders and personnel aligned themselves as the American flag-draped casket was carried from the hearse.

The mothers of the Latino 35 surrounded the family projecting support. City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate represented the community in which Rivadeneira grew up and headed a delegation of elected and community leaders to honor the sacrifice.

St. Michael's Memorial Counselor Cesar Gonzalez aided the family. They formed an immediate attachment that was recognized by Monserrate calling me, requesting that Gonzalez personally attend the funeral and interment. Gonzalez represents the best of our profession and is devoted to the families he serves.

The Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcyclists, led the procession to the cemetery and to the gravesite for Rivadeneira.

St. Michael's made a conscious effort to reach out to the city that we call home. We long ago abandoned restrictions imposed by our gates and any idea that we were a warehouse for the past. St. Michael's celebrates life by honoring the memory of all we are entrusted with.

As Spc. Rivadeneira fulfilled his promise to serve our nation, St. Michael's will continue to accept that each life is unique and special. Our principal of dedication to all rewards those who depend upon us at the worst of all times.

Ed Horn is community relations director for St. Michael's Cemetery, 72-02 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst.