More than 1,000 people gathered to honor the life and sacrifice of Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley, who tragically lost his life on August 10, 2012, while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Buckley, just 21 years old, was shot and killed by an Afghan police officer while deployed in Garmsir, Afghanistan. His death, alongside fellow Marines Staff Sgt. Scott E. Dickinson and Cpl. Richard A. Rivera Jr., came after the Afghan officer, with whom the Marines had shared a meal, opened fire on them in an attack that shocked both the military community and the public.
What Happened
Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. While deployed in Afghanistan, he was attached to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
On August 10, 2012, Buckley and two other Marines were ambushed by an Afghan police officer while on duty. The attack was part of a recent trend in which Afghan security forces, or individuals disguised in their uniforms, turned their weapons on coalition troops. The incident resulted in the deaths of Lance Cpl. Buckley, 29-year-old Staff Sgt. Scott E. Dickinson from San Diego, and 20-year-old Cpl. Richard A. Rivera Jr. from Ventura, California.
The Funeral Service
Lance Cpl. Buckley’s funeral took place at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, Long Island, where his family, friends, and the community gathered to pay their respects. Greg Buckley Sr., Greg’s father, spoke with deep emotion at the service, choking back tears as he described his son as the source of immense pride. He shared that he could “never be prouder of anyone in his life,” reflecting the deep bond between father and son.
The funeral was followed by a procession to the Long Island National Cemetery, where Buckley was laid to rest. A group of motorcyclists, including members of the community and military supporters, accompanied the procession, a poignant display of respect for the fallen Marine.
Community and National Tributes
Gregory T. Buckley’s death, as well as the deaths of his fellow Marines, served as a somber reminder of the dangers that military personnel face while serving abroad. The tragic attack is part of a larger pattern of assaults by Afghan security forces, leading to an increased focus on the risks posed by such incidents.
Buckley’s funeral attracted a large turnout of mourners, reflecting the impact his life and service had on his community. Many of those who attended the service paid tribute not just to Buckley’s sacrifice, but to the ideals he embodied as a dedicated Marine, committed to serving his country and protecting others.
Closing
Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley’s life was cut short by a senseless act of violence, but his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him. His courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to his country will forever be remembered, not only by his family and friends but by the entire nation. As the community and military mourn his loss, Buckley’s sacrifice is a reminder of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who serve.
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