Many people in the Wilmington community paid tribute to fallen soldier Sgt. Thomas J. Butler IV on Friday.
Butler’s funeral procession began at 10:15 a.m., and a service followed at First Baptist Church on Fifth Avenue. Community members gathered along Market Street around the Wilmington National Cemetery, where Butler was laid to rest, to show their support for Butler, his family and friends.
“I know this is a difficult day for the family. I hurt for them,” Caren Bell, a neighbor of Butler’s uncle in Castle Hayne, said.
Bell sat along the roadway across the street from the cemetery as cars drove by honking their horns in support of those gathered along the road. She said the Butlers are a very close family—both family-and faith-oriented. Bell said family members appreciated the support from the community.
Another man who went out to show his support said he worked in the same recruiting office where Butler was recruited.
“I’m glad to see so many people here to support T.J., the military and those who served the country,” U.S. Army National Guard Pfc. Ranier said.
Butler was one of three Army National Guard members killed by a suicide bomber in Khost City, Afghanistan on Oct. 1. After arriving in Dover, Del., last week, Butler returned home to Wilmington on Wednesday.
