IN THIS ISSUE | ||
Calendar ................. |
10 |
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Classifieds ................ |
24 |
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Crossword ................ |
26 |
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Letters to the Editor .......... |
8 |
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Maybrook ................. |
19 |
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Obituaries ................ |
22 |
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Opinion ................... |
8 |
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Pine Bush ................. |
18 |
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Police Blotter ............... |
4 |
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Service Directory ........... |
28 |
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Sports ................... |
32 |
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Walden ................... |
16 |
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Wallkill .................... 17 | ||
Walker Valley .............. |
20 |
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“ You might feel an inability to pray ,” Torres said . “ That is normal when we question God as to why he had to take away someone we love .”
Torres turned the congregation ’ s attention to the bible verse found in the ceremony pamphlet , John 3:16 , a favorite of Hopkins .
“ For God so loved the world ,” it read , “ that he gave his one and only Son , that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life .”
After a moment of silence and prayer , Torres gave the floor to the church choir , who proceeded to perform three religious songs Patricia shared to be her and Mark ’ s favorite : “ How Deep is Our Father ’ s Love ,” “ How Great Is Our God ,” and “ Lord I Need You .”
With military servicemen sitting in the right pews , and family and community members on the left , the room filled with passionate voices . Lyrics to each song were projected onto the monitors above the main stage area , fading in and out as guidance to the audience .
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“ People who have seen Mark ’ s smile never forget it ,” Torres said . “ His kindness stood out .”
Mark was a passionate participant of services and the church community . As a guitarist , he was easily moved by music , as it had always been a special part of his life .
Robert Hopkins then made his way to the piano placed on the left of the stage . He preceded his musical tribute with words that could only be conveyed by a man who loved his older brother .
“ Thirty-two years , 11 months and 10 days ,” Robert said . “ I had never known a day without Mark before July 10 .”
When the older Hopkins played guitar , he improvised with endless , creative riffs split between methodical , planned melodies . This , Robert said , was reflective of how Mark lived his life .
Robert then presented the song he was to play , one that Mark had chosen to dance with his mother on his wedding day years ago : “ Somewhere Over the Rainbow .”
An intense moment , Robert played as if the room consisted of himself , the piano and his brother ’ s coffin . His
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investment in the performance was evident in his facial expressions and style .
“ I thought maybe he would become Chaplain Mark Hopkins ,” said Torres . “ He had shared a religious sentiment he wrote with his fellow Marines , and they had given him a standing ovation .”
Pastor Joshua Stewart then sang another religious song , “ Homesick ,” which represented the concept that all people are homesick until they pass , because heaven is their true home .
“ There is ,” said Torres quoting Eccliastes 3:2 , “ a time to live , and a time to die .”
At the conclusion of the ceremony , servicemen carried the coffin out of the church with his emotional family following behind . The rest of the congregation stood in reflection for a few moments , before being dismissed to the church cafe for refreshments .
Robert , however , stayed behind and made himself available to anyone who wanted to express condolences and speak .
“ Me and Mark did everything at the
Continued on page 4
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