A hero's farewell
Hodgenville says goodbye to Lance Cpl. Matthias Hanson

By MARTY FINLEY
The News Enterprise

February 28, 2010

HODGENVILLE — The silence permeating LaRue County High School's gymnasium in the moments leading up to U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthias Hanson's memorial service Saturday resounded louder than any cheers the facility has endured.

Photo by NEAL CARDIN A Marine salutes along with Patriot Guard members Saturday as the casket with Lance Cpl. Matthias Hanson is carried from the LaRue County High School gymnasium after funeral services.

"We are never prepared to face a situation like the one we are facing today," Glen Rice said before singing "The Anchor Holds" at the onset of the community's farewell to a hometown hero.

Hanson, 20, died Feb. 21 in combat in Afghanistan while serving with the 3/6 Kilo 2nd Battalion Infantry.

Hanson was a 2008 graduate of LaRue County High School, where he played football and held membership in the Student Technology Association.

Hanson's death was crushing to the local community, but it also inspired unity.

Hardin County paid its respects to Hanson last week, as businesses honored Hanson's sacrifice on signs and storefronts. On Friday, thousands took to the streets during a procession that began at Fort Knox and passed through Hardin County.

Some held American flags, other stood in reverent silence and strangers wept openly when Hanson's procession passed.

On Saturday, large American flags floated heavenward in Hodgenville. And Patriot Guard Riders stood uniformly at the door of the gymnasium, draping flags over the heads of those who came to pay their final respects to Hanson.

The Rev. Norm Brock expressed thanks for this support.

"Thank you for standing for something, for our country and this family," he said.

During the service, Hanson became more than a recognizable face from a photograph, as those who knew him described his easygoing nature and abundant love for life.

Brock recounted his time with Hanson and the characteristics he best remembered: His powerful hugs, his stark blue eyes and his smile, which he described as a sneaky grin inching toward laughter.

He also recalled Hanson's compassion for others. Brock said Hanson always would ask him to pray for his unit and his friends, concerned more for their safety than his own.

This also was exhibited in his interactions with children.

"Maybe it was because he was a big kid himself, but Matt had a natural inclination to make kids feel (safe and protected)," Brock said.

This last week, he continued, just reiterated what the community already knew: Hanson was a hero.

And it had little to do with how he died, he added.

"Matt's our hero because of how he lived," Brock said.

Mark Knight, the pastor who performed the message, agreed.

"Not only did he die courageously, he lived courageous," Knight said.

Knight said it was fitting the community's farewell was held at the site where Hanson graduated from high school. Now he's graduated to Heaven, he added.

In recollection, Knight said Hanson was able to live a full life in his 20 years — a "remarkable" feat he said everyone could learn from.

Both Brock and Knight spoke highly of Hanson's faith in God, too, and Knight encouraged those who knew Hanson to trust in God during this trying time. Knight said he believes it is what Hanson would want them to do.

"God is the only one who can fill that empty spot today," he said.

Knight also praised Hanson for his willingness to serve in the military.

"He didn't expect anyone to go in his place," Knight said. "He took it as an honor."

Brock told the crowd gathered that they should pause in the midst of life's fast pace to enjoy the simple act of living. By doing so, they would honor Hanson's example.

"Matt didn't miss life," he said. "He lived life."

Marty Finley can be reached at (270) 505-1762.

This story, written by Marty Finley, was provided to One Knox courtesy of The News Enterprise. Read more stories from The News Enterprise at www.thenewsenterprise.com.