To the editor,

My family and I would like to take a few moments to publicly thank the persons and agencies which helped to make the tragedy of the death of our son/brother/nephew/ cousin (Army Capt. David C. Haas) a smooth and dignified celebration of his life.

Thank you to St. Charles Borromeo Church and Pastor Father Frank Murray who conducted an inspiring Mass which celebrated David’s life.

Thanks also to the Brunswick Police Department whose subtle and professional presence at every intersection made the motorcade through Brunswick flow seamlessly from the church to the interstate. Thanks also to the Maine State Police for their professional and dignified presence. They made both the motorcade from the New Hampshire line to the funeral home and the motorcade from Brunswick to the Veterans’ Cemetery quick, efficient and incident free.

Thank you to Brunswick High School for the use of the gym for visiting hours, we couldn’t have done it in any lesser space. The high school was such a large part of his life; it was appropriate to celebrate his life there. Thanks also to the Knights of Columbus for the use of their hall for our reception. And last, but not least, thank you to the Patriot Guard and the Maine Military Funeral Honors Program; their quiet dignity and respect gave just the right amount of solemnity to the entire process.

Thank you all,

Joe Haas

EDITOR: Army Capt. David C. Haas was killed on July 27 while stationed in South Korea.