Slain Marine’s Family Thanks Ramsey for ‘Outpouring of Love and Support’

In May, Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Christian, who grew up in the borough and graduated from Ramsey High School in 1993, was killed in Afghanistan. Last month, the borough held a memorial ceremony honoring the life and service of the fallen soldier.

Christian’s mother, Linda, and brothers were at the ceremony. Tuesday, the Christian family sent the following letter to Patch thanking the community for its support and for the memorial.

Ramsey Residents,

On Saturday, June 8, 2013 the Town of Ramsey gathered to celebrate the life of our son and brother, SSgt. Eric D. Christian. Eric was killed while on duty in Afghanistan on May 4. We are in awe of the outpouring of love and support for Eric and are ever grateful to the people of the town of Ramsey that Eric called home for so many years.  

Our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Botta and the Town Council, Chief Brian Gurney, Borough Administrator Bruce Vozeh and Ramsey DPW, Rescue Squad, Fire Department, OEM, Ambulance Corps and Board of Education. None of this would have happened without your moving mountains to provide anything that was needed to coordinate such a wonderful event.

Thanks to the Marines of Stewart and Picatinney Arsenal, Marine Corps League, Ramsey VFW Post 682, the Patriot Guard, Nam Knights, NJ State Police, State Police Bagpipers and Helicopters, Ramsey Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts and those who provided military vehicles. You helped make the salute to Eric a day filled with dignity and appreciation of his service.

A special thanks to the Mahwah Elks for their exceptional generosity in hosting the reception, to the Mahwah Marine Moms and Ramsey Rescue Squad who insured that the food and hall were set and decorated to perfection, to Keystone Printing in Dumont for the banners, posters and printing and Peter’s Florist for the beautiful arrangements. Thank you, also, to Jim Pattin and Robert Michaels for designing and building the cases to display the medals and flags that will keep the memory of Eric’s time in the Marines alive in our hearts. Special appreciation to all who spoke with pride and patriotism for all those who serve and all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

We would like to acknowledge the following vendors and service groups who so generously donated all the food and beverages for our guests:  Shop-Rite Supermarkets, LaGondola Restaurant, Walgreen’s Pharmacy, Morano’s, Mahwah Bar & Grill, Allendale Eats, Bagel Boys, Houlihans, Brady’s at the Station, B&G Bagels, Foodtown-North Haledon, King Pizza North, Aldos, Varka, Party Fair, Heritage Financial Recovery, Ramsey Liquors, Sonny & Tony’s, Anthony Francos, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Ramsey Jr. Women’s Club and Ramsey Chamber of Commerce. If anyone was inadvertently eliminated from this list, please accept our apology.

And last, but certainly the most appreciated, to the organizing Committee: John Riggs, Jody Muti, Patty Fagan, Brian Behrmann, Karen Wilson, & Barbara Pattin, our thanks to you all for orchestrating every detail of this very special tribute! We take comfort in the love and hard work put forth by all who were involved in this beautiful endeavor honoring Eric.

Most sincerely,

Linda, Chris, Phil & Mark Christian