Note: This article was originally published on Aug. 29, 2004. We’re re-posting it now for our tribute to Colorado’s Fallen.
A steady rain fell from a gray sky as funeral services began Friday
morning at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for Army Spec. Henry Cecil
Risner.
The rain fell on the crowds of mourners, their collars up and heads
down. It fell on Risner’s flag-draped coffin as fellow soldiers in
the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y., carried it to
the mournful playing of bagpipes.
A procession of solemn family members, including Risner’s pregnant
widow, Emily, followed.
Risner, 26, was killed by a sniper Aug. 18 as his unit was passing
out bread to Iraqi children near Baghdad.
Steve Broadbeck said the last time he saw Risner, his childhood
friend was happy.
“He had a beautiful wife, he had a stepson and a baby on the way,
and he had a wonderful life to look forward to,” Broadbeck said.
He said Risner, a graduate of Jefferson County’s McLain High
School, wanted adventure in faraway places and found that in the
military.
“He caused me to remember that though I’m soaking wet and cold,
that all around me there are adventures, possibilities, wonder and
life.”
Risner’s younger brother, Jesse, could not hold back tears as he
recalled prayers for his brother’s safety in Iraq.
“He received a blessing before he left that he would be going
home,” he said. “It just wasn’t the home we thought it would
be.”
Risner was promoted posthumously from the rank of private 1st class
to specialist. During the service, Emily Risner was presented with
her husband’s Bronze Star and his Purple Heart.
A memorial fund has been set up for Risner’s family. Donations can
be made to the Henry Risner Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank.
