***This article first appeared on fredericknewspost.com***
Americans don't always get it right, the Rev. Alan Greijack said Saturday in his message during the funeral service for Marine Lance Cpl. Maung P. "Sam" Htaik.
"But I saw something from our government today. The honor bestowed upon the family of Sam makes me feel proud to be an American," Greijack said.
Htaik, 20, was killed in combat on Jan. 1 in Afghanistan. He and his parents lived in Frederick for five years before they moved to Hagerstown.
"War is cruel, but something more cruel than war is the loss of freedom. Some of you lived under dictatorships," Greijack told the crowd of mostly Asian immigrants.
Greijack asked all military personnel past and present to stand. They were applauded.
The funeral at Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was also attended by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett and Frederick County Commissioners President Blaine Young.
O'Malley described Htaik's life as "one of faith, courage and sacrifice."
"Today, we remember a quiet man of bravery and courage. He chose to put his own life on the line for the country we love," O'Malley said. "His sacrifice touches the hearts of all of us. May his divine life continue to touch the lives of all the people he loved."
Lance Cpl. Mark Dell recalled some of his experiences with Htaik.
"I was in Sam's platoon. We went to Afghanistan together. I recall a particularly rough morning exercising. Everybody was struggling, but Sam would never let up.
"He always knew and we always knew that if something bad happened, it would not be because of him. He never complained. He just did his job," Dell said. "Once I was sick and he made a can of soup for me."
Joseph Naing delivered the eulogy.
"When I heard you passed away, I wished it was a dream. I wished it never happened," Naing said through tears.
"When you came to church, you never talked. We were the ones talking. You listened to the preacher, and you never talked about how bad people are," he said.
U Hla Shwe described his son as fearless.
"He never mentioned fear. I never saw him crying, but the important message to young people is we're here to serve this country," Shwe said.
Flora Shwe said her son was her prophet.
"All prophets live a short life. He's my prophet. People are telling me (they are) sorry, but I have comfort knowing he's done his job and made a difference," Flora Shwe said.
Elizabeth Chung, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Commission, said Htaik was born in Myanmar (formerly Burma), and the Burmese community is the fastest-growing Asian community in Frederick County. Most of them are refugees and political asylees.
"We're here. We fought. We went to war because we believe in this democracy," Chung said.
Htaik's story is inspirational, Chung said.
"It is something the new generation shouldn't forget -- how important this democracy is and how it is protected by blood, sweat and tears," Chung said. "This is sad, but it also offers us an insight into the story of all Americans and the contributions we all make for this country."
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