Report: Slain Marine from Ramsey Laid to Rest

A Ramsey High School graduate who was killed this month in Afghanistan was laid to rest Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery, Newsday.com reported.

According to the report, the funeral ceremony Tuesday was an emotional one, attended by the family members and friends of Staff Sergeant Eric Christian, who was shot May 4 “while he and five other Marines were escorting a high-ranking U.S. official and two intelligence officers to a meeting at an Afghan Army base when an Afghan soldier opened fire.”

In addition to killing the 39-year-old, the attack also killed Corporal David M. Sonka, 23, of Parker, CO, and his dog.

Newsday.com described Christian’s burial ceremony:

A Marine honor guard wearing dress uniforms with black jackets and white pants carried Christian's casket, draped in an American flag, to his resting place in the Virginia cemetery. During a graveside service, Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Tyrone Choice dropped to a knee to present Christian's mother, Linda, who was seated, with the flag. Choice held her hand to console her.

Christian grew up in Ramsey and Poughkeepsie, NY, played football while in high school in Ramsey, and graduated from RHS in 1993. After being inspired by September 11 to join the marines, Christian served five tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan.

Submit your questions or news tips to jessica.mazzola@patch.com. And, remember to sign up for Ramsey Patch's daily newsletter, and get updates on Facebook and Twitter.