Farewell, Cpl. Anzack
By Larry Altman and Shelly Leachman
Staff Writers
The horse-drawn carriage carrying the body of U.S. Army Cpl. Joseph Anzack Jr. solemnly made its way across Torrance today for funeral services at South High School.
About 30 South Bay police motorcycle officers opened the funeral cortege, followed by the white horse, driven by a man clad in a black coat and top hat.
Anzack's flag-draped casket lay inside the white-wheeled carriage. His family stood watching at 3:58 p.m. at Rice Mortuary on Torrance Boulevard as soldiers loaded the casket into the carriage. Sitting in a black limosine, relatives of the 20-year-old soldier followed the carriage as the procession began at 4:05 p.m.
About 100 veterans on Harley-Davidson motorcycles followed, flags waving behind their roaring engines.
Hundreds of spectators lined the procession route, especially in front of the mortuary. Many carried American flags.
"We came to pay our respects to the young man," said Liz Hassoldt, watching with her son, Steve.
"A fantastic sight," said Redondo Beach resident Henry Burke.
As the procession slowly made its way through the streets of Torrance, people started to fill the stands at the school. The driveway was lined with flags as the carriage arrived at 4:50 p.m. Hundreds of spectators stood at attention.
All South High football players were on hand, with the varsity team lining the track wearing dark green jerseys. The younger players sat in the stands.
About 300 seats were set up on the field for family, the football team and local dignitaries.
Several members of Anzack's division also attended to show their respects.
Anzack's body was found May 23 in the Euphrates River south of Baghdad, about two weeks after he disappeared along with two other soldiers following an ambush. Five men were killed in the attack.
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The other soldiers remain missing.
An al-Qaida affiliated group claimed responsibilty.
©Daily Breeze