Officials pay tribute to soldier
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Luigi Marciante

JACKSON - Township Council members paid tribute last week to a fallen American serviceman.

"Tonight we are remembering and honoring the bravery of Spc. Luigi Marciante Jr., who died last month while serving with the Army in the conflict in Iraq," Councilman Angelo Stallone said at the Oct. 9 meeting.

"Members of this council recently attended the funeral services for this soldier and were deeply moved and touched by the accolades heard about this young serviceman," Stallone said.

Marciante, 25, was killed on Sept. 20 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his vehicle. Marciante died of injuries he sustained in the explosion.

Marciante was assigned to the Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Lewis, Wash., and in April 2007 the 4th Brigade, of which he was a member, was deployed to Iraq.

Marciante is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and infant son, Lorenzo. His parents are residents of Jackson.

Stallone said Marciante was home in August to celebrate the birth of his son. He returned to active duty and was killed shortly thereafter.

"It is with the utmost sympathy that the Jackson Township Council wishes to honor and respect the passing of this soldier," said the councilman.

Stallone presented a framed resolution to the family as a reminder to all members of the community of how all servicemen continue to sacrifice their lives in order to protect all residents of the United States.

Council President Ann Updegrave asked for a moment of silence in honor of Marciante and all the American lives lost during active service in the military.

Since the United States launched the war in Iraq in March 2003, more than 3,800 members of the U.S. military have died, according to The Associated Press. More than 27,000 American soldiers have been wounded since the war began.

Luigi Marciante Sr. said he appreciated the members of the council, the police department and everyone else in Jackson who has supported the family since the death of his son.

"The police came to my house almost every night," Marciante said. "They would come by, but there was one instance when one policeman pulled up the driveway and came to me and started to cry. He was really emotional and I could not tell you the feelings this man had. What happened to us could have happened to anybody. Other kids, men, women, die there. My son, God will take care of him."

Marciante thanked everyone who has made a donation to help the serviceman's infant son.

"I thought my son was a hero, by the way things happen," he said. "[Thank you for] all the support we received,"

"We are gathered here to honor Spc. Luigi Marciante Jr. who paid with his life," American Legion Commander Frank Staknys said. "Let us always remember the memory of this brave soldier who made the supreme sacrifice so that we can experience freedom in a country that is free."

Jackson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4703 Chaplain Vincent Bellis read a benediction honoring Marciante and his family.

A scholarship fund has been established by VFW Post 4703 for Lorenzo, the son of Luigi and Stephanie Marciante.

A Gold Star button and flag were presented to the serviceman's family.

"This is to be hung in your window or on your door so that everybody passing by can see that a son or daughter has paid the supreme sacrifice," Bellis said.

A check for $250 was presented to Stephanie Marciante from Jackson American Legion Post 504.