CLEARLAKE — United States Marine Corps LCpl. Ivan Irl Wilson was laid to rest in the shade of a gallant oak on Saturday following a beautiful, traditional military service. Hundreds gathered at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake, inside and on the streets, to honor the fallen Marine.
Marines, none of whom could have been more than 22 to 23 years old, carried the casket that held the body of their fallen comrade. Tears streamed down the side of one Marine”s cheek as he carried the flag-covered casket to the hearse that would take LCpl. Wilson to his final resting place at Lower Lake Cemetery.
Father Ron Serban led a beautiful religious ceremony that began with a song suggesting “be not afraid.” The entire ceremony was filled with beautiful Gospel music that helped ease the hearts of those there to mourn the loss of a fine young man, son, brother, grandson, friend and Marine.
“Putting your life on the line for others is a very Christian act,” Father Ron commended. A majority of the priest”s eulogy revolved around the resurrection of Christ and reminders of faith. He told those grieving in the crowd that their grief was shared by God.
“Ivan”s death is not Jesus” fault. God is not to blame,” he said. “God is the author of life not the dispenser of death. That doesn”t mean we cannot question it. Jesus has not abandoned you in your time of grief. He is here and he shares your pain with you.”
The mother of the fallen Marine, who was only 22-years-young, found the courage to address the crowd despite her constant tears. Denise Wilson remembered her “Sonny Boy Ivan” with great admiration, love and respect as she shared the traits that had made him so special. “He was a happy and loving son,” she said. “He was a well-loved young man with a promising future. He chose to join the Marines when other things just weren”t working in his world. He felt it was one of the best decisions that he made in a very long time when he made that first call to them.
“As his mom, I want to say how very proud I am of him for all he accomplished and I know and believe he is amongst the other fallen Marines in the heavenly skies.” Wilson continued, “He patrolled the streets of our country and countries afar and now he is patrolling the golden streets of Heaven.
“I thank all of you who have walked this journey with me and most of all Ivan thanks you,” Wilson concluded.
LCpl. Wilson”s aunt, Michelle Oljenik, also offered some words. “He was my Ivanhoe and I was his aunt Mimi,” she said before sharing a message in Spanish, which she followed with an English interpretation.
Collin Wilson shared thoughts about his grandson as well. He said that Ivan had been a typical kid, sometimes obnoxious but always lovable. He concluded his thoughts with words written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his “Song of Life.”
“Ivan was a hero and left his footprints in the sands of time,” his grandfather concluded.
A letter that had been written by the Marine in May reached his mother two days before the service. Ironically, he had begun his letter, “I guess it”s safe to say we”re at our final destination.” He had continued describing the landscape to his mother and telling her that he was doing well. He had requested a lamp and a battery charger before he said that it had taken him two days to write the letter because he had been so busy with operations. He concluded the letter with a big smile and happy face.
The smell of sage filled the air as the Marines carried their fallen comrade from the church to the hearse waiting outside. The casket again passed through an arch made by aerial fire ladders and was welcomed to the cemetery grounds by the row of American flags lining the drive.
LCpl. Wilson”s body was laid to rest underneath the gallant oak presiding over the northern hillside of the cemetery. The committal service included military recognitions presented to the Wilson family by First Sgt. Derek D. Leggett and his regime. The presentations included that of the Purple Heart, honoring LCpl. Wilson for the ultimate sacrifice he has made for the sake of his country. Both his mother Denise Wilson and his father, Christopher Wilson, received an American flag in honor of his sacrifice as well.
Atop the hill, a rifle team of seven stood proud as they fired three volleys across the valley below. According to First Sgt. Leggett, rifle salutes always occur with an odd number of rifles. He further explained that 21 rounds were released in a three volley session in accordance to naval traditions.
Following the service, members of the Patriot Guard Riders presented Denise Wilson with a KIA flag in honor of those Killed In Action.
The flag was signed by all the members of the group and she was told by one of the members as she accepted the flag, that she is and will always be a part of the veteran”s family.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
