By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Josh Rodgers, the young U.S. Army Ranger from Bloomington-Normal, belongs to the ages.

He was buried after a day of solemn and patriotic tributes, with people lining the 8-1/2 mile route of the funeral procession from Eastview Christian Church in Normal to Evergreen Cemetery in Bloomington.

As the motorcade passed the intersection of Clinton and Oakland, people waved American flags or placed their hands over their hearts in a show of respect and gratitude for Sgt. Rodgers for making the ultimate sacrifice. Among those paying respects was 13-year old Nick Hitzner of Normal.

“He passed away doing this for our country over in war. He did this so we could be free,” the Kingsley Jr. High School student said.

Dawn Woldhuis’ son was one of Rodgers’ classmates. She says Rodgers’ death by small arms fire in Afghanistan has had a profound impact on young people here.

“This I think hits home for them in a different way than it did even for us with the first Gulf war and the second Gulf war. This is their real war now,” said Woldhuis.

Burial was private. Earlier, Rodgers’ family received condolences from the public at a four-hour visitation and a 90-minute celebration of life service at the church.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]