CT Soldier Laid To Rest In Arlington National Cemetery Wednesday

Army Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel, killed in action while serving his country in Afghanistan, was laid to rest Wednesday morning in Arlington National Cemetery in a service with full military honors.

According to Capt. Pedersen-Keel's obituary, he was killed on Monday, March 11, 2013 in Afghanistan. 

Andrew is the son of Helen Pedersen Keiser and Bob Keiser of Madison and Henry Keel of Pompano Beach, FL and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Keel. Also survived by his fiance, Celeste Pizza and many loving, close family and friends. Andrew was born June 8, 1984 in South Miami, FL. Andrew grew up in Madison ... Burial with Full Military Honors will be held in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Wed. March 27 at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to Special Forces Charitable Trust, c/o David T. Guernsey Jr., Executive Director, PO Box 53, Essex, CT 06426,specialforcescharitabletrust.org/donate.

Arlington National Cemetery serves as the "final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families," according to a fact sheet on the Arlington National Cemetery website:

Service to country is the common thread that binds all who are remembered and honored here. Arlington is both a national treasure and an active cemetery ... Laying our Nation’s veterans and their eligible family members to rest with honor and respect, while treating their loved ones with dignity and compassion, is the cornerstone of Arlington National Cemetery’s mission. It’s not uncommon for those visiting the cemetery to see a horsedrawn caisson carrying an American flag-draped casket, hear the firing of three rifle volleys in the distance, or feel a lump in theirthroat as a lone bugler plays the 24 lingering notes of Taps. These honors remind us of service, sacrifice and valor – and are examples of the dignified way we take care of those who have defended and protected our freedoms.