Army Specialist Matthew J Holly was killed in action by a roadside bomb on November 15th 2005. When his remains were returned to San Diego, his coffin was unloaded from a commercial aircraft without any honors, and was unloaded with a fork lift by the airport ground crew. His treatment was seen as a great dishonor and prompted a change by Congress that this would never happen again.
SPC Holly was buried at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita because there was no room for him at either Fort Rosecrans or Miramar National Cemetery. The San Diego Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution provided an Honor Guard at both Glen Abby and Miramar. Compatriot Duncan Campbell presented the family with the American Flag at Spc. Holly’s final ceremony.
The news report of the day’s activities can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAZQjHUj010
SDSAR Color Guard awaits Spc. Holly at Glen Abby
Part of the Procession from Glen Abby to Miramar.
Compatriots Alan Winters (left) and Duncan Campbell.
Duncan Campbell presents the flag to Spc. Holly’s family.