(July 23, 2008) -- With over sixty members of the Patriot Guard in respectful file, 5th district Long Beach Councilwoman Gerrie in attendance (invited by a 5th district Guard member) and a military honor guard, the flag draped casket of Sgt. Israel Garcia was brought to Long Beach at midday July 22.

Photo via an attendee

Sgt. Garcia's close familymembers came forward first, followed by a large group of family and friends in support, the magnitude of their loss incalculable and unconcealed.

Family and friends spent a lengthy, undisturbed period on the tarmac.

Others surrounded them in silent tribute.

Photo via an attendee

Photo via an attendee

Photo via an attendee

A uniformed military honor guard placed the casket in a hearse. Patriot Guard motorcycle riders, alongside LBPD and Signal Hill PD units, then escorted the family in procession to All Souls Mortuary (information on arrangements below).

That evening, the Long Beach City Council adjourned its meeting in memory of Sgt. Garcia, with Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and Councilmembers Gerrie Schipske and Tonia Reyes Uranga speaking.

Mayor Foster: I'd like for all of us to adjourn in the memory of Sgt. Israel "Ira" Garcia...Probably most of you have read about this. It's with great respect and also sadness that we memorialize Sgt. Israel "Ira" Garcia. Sgt. Garcia was a Long Beach native serving his nation in Afghanistan...It was his third tour of duty...Sgt. Garcia was a Poly High graduate and began his service to our nation in June 2006. It goes without saying that we mourn his loss and send our thoughts and prayers to his family. We recognize the sacrifice he and his family have made for our country. It's a particularly sad time in Long Beach when we lose someone like this who has just done so much and I just want to adjourn in his memory and again express our sorrow to the family.

Councilwoman Schipske: Thank you for closing the meeting in memory of Sgt. Garcia. I want us to please keep his family in your prayers. I was asked to go today by the Patriot Guard...and they actually gave me a copy of Sgt. Garcia's dogtags.

Long Beach City Council telecast

Councilwoman Reyes Uranga: I would also like to send my heartfelt condolences thoughts go to the Garcia family. Thank you for your son and for really paying the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued the following statement:

"Sergeant Israel Garcia was a true patriot who sacrificed his life to protect the values and ideals that are held dear in this country. He fought with pride and courage and Californians will never forget his service. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Israel's family and friends during this difficult time.

Visitation will be at All Souls Mortuary (4400 Cherry Ave., Long Beach) is scheduled Thursday July 24, 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass will take place Friday July 25, 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 1220 Sanford Ave. in Wilmington. Burial at All Souls Cemetery to follow.

Within a six month period in 2007, three LB servicemembers were killed in action:

• On January 27, 2007, Pfc David Toomalatai, 19, died in Taji, Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during convoy operations.

• On May 2, 2007, Spc. Astor A. Sunsin-Pineda, 20, died in Baghdad, Iraq of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

• On May 15, 2007, Army Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Whitaker died in Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained in small-arms fire.

Sgt. Garcia and the eight other soldiers killed in the July 13, 2008 Afghan attack were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy. The servicemembers who perished alongside Sgt. Garcia were: