Navy SEAL Remembered at Hometown Memorial in Missouri

From Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Public Affairs

MACON, Mo. (NNS) -- A Navy SEAL was laid to rest Oct. 2, after being honored by thousands of people during a ceremony and funeral procession in his hometown of Macon, Mo.

Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Adam Smith died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan along with one Navy support technician, two other Navy SEALs, and five Army aircrew members Sept. 21.

Hundreds of people packed the First Baptist Church during a funeral service for the fallen SEAL, where Smith was remembered as a hometown hero.

"Adam was a courageous warrior with an unflappable attitude who earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fellow citizens alike, and he took great pride and passion in being a Navy SEAL," said Capt. Tim Szymanski, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO.

Szymanski also thanked the Macon community for rallying around the Smith family during a time of need, and for their hospitality toward visiting service members who were present for the memorial events.

After the service, the citizens of Macon came out by the thousands to pay their last respects to Smith as his funeral procession made its way through the town.

During the burial ceremony, the national ensign was folded by a team of fellow SEALs and given to Smith's parents, followed by a gun salute by a Navy honor guard.

"Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 2nd Class Adam Smith now joins a long list of military members who have given their lives so all of us can enjoy the rights and privileges in this country; this is a harsh reminder that the price of freedom comes at a terrible cost," said Pastor Scott Dalrymple of the First Baptist Church, who presided over the ceremony. "Adam was born to be a SEAL and he found his place in life with the SEALs."

Smith was assigned to an East Coast based SEAL team out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story, Va.