U.S. soldiers Lithuania: A heartfelt farewell ceremony in Vilnius will honor four U.S. soldiers who died during a training exercise. Their coffins will pass through the capital’s cathedral square on Thursday, with government officials, military personnel, and religious leaders in attendance.
A Nation Pays Its Respects
The soldiers, part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing last week during a tactical training mission. Their M88 Hercules armored vehicle was recovered from a peat bog, ending a days-long search operation involving Lithuanian, Polish, and U.S. forces.
Those honored are:
- Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28 (Battle Creek, Michigan)
- Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25 (Joliet, Illinois)
- Staff Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25 (Glendale, California)
- Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21 (Dededo, Guam)
Their remains will be flown back to the United States after the ceremony.
A Symbol of Unity and Sacrifice
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, the defense minister, and the Vilnius archbishop will be present, along with a U.S. Army honor platoon. The nonprofit Stiprus Kartu (Strong Together) has urged locals to attend the procession, pause, and pay their respects.
As part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which is bolstering NATO’s defense against Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, 3,500 American soldiers are now serving a nine-month deployment in the Baltics at the time of their deaths.
U.S. soldiers Lithuania: The farewell highlights the sacrifices made to uphold international security and strengthen global alliances.
Source: AP News