Fallen soldier, 25-year-old Georgia soldier Tyler Feehan, buried in Canton
Georgia cemetery buries fallen soldier near grandfather
First Lt. Tyler Feehan was laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton with full military honors. Governor Brian Kemp attended the service alongside dozens of family members and friends honoring the 25-year-old soldier killed overseas. His parents announced that his death gratuity will fully fund scholarships for future soldiers.
CANTON, Ga. - A 25-year-old Army officer who died during overseas military service was laid to rest with full military honors on Friday in Canton.
Community lines procession route
What we know:
Before the burial, dozens of people gathered along the route as Feehan's funeral procession traveled from the funeral home to Georgia National Cemetery.
The Patriot Guard Riders escorted the procession, followed by the hearse and vehicles carrying Feehan's family and others.
Many of those lining the streets carried American flags or wore patriotic clothing. Some were veterans who had never met Feehan but said they wanted to honor his military service.
Other people stopped their vehicles and got out to pay their respects, with some saluting as the procession passed.
Flags at businesses along the route were also lowered to half-staff.
Public invited to honor fallen soldier in Canton
The public is invited to line the procession route for a fallen Georgia soldier as his body is transported to Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. They are encouraged to gather near Williamson Brothers BBQ on Marietta Highway.
Full military honors
Local perspective:
Service members prepared for a traditional military funeral at Georgia National Cemetery, including the folding of the American flag, a rifle volley and the playing of taps.
Gov. Brian Kemp was among those who attended the service. Kemp ordered flags at the Georgia State Capitol and state buildings lowered to half-staff Friday in Feehan's honor.
Remembering Tyler Feehan
What they're saying:
Feehan was remembered by those who knew him as an exceptional officer, trusted friend and leader who approached life with courage and humility.
His family said serving in the Army was more than a job for Feehan — it was his calling.
His soldiers were also a source of tremendous pride, and Feehan took particular pride in mentoring the service members under his leadership.
Outside the Army, Feehan was an Atlanta sports fan who loved the Braves and Falcons. He also enjoyed Legos.
Those who knew Feehan said he believed strongly in the goodness and potential of others, a quality they said helped define both his military service and his life.
Friday's procession and military funeral gave people across the community an opportunity to honor a young soldier who died while serving his country.
A rifle volley echoed through Georgia National Cemetery as dozens of family members and friends gathered across Cherokee County to lay the 25-year-old soldier to rest with military honors.
Feehan's parents, wearing their son's dog tags, expressed immense pride in his service and deep appreciation for the community's support. His father, Stephen Feehan, admitted feeling initial anger, but said the driving support along the road turned his feelings into even more pride. He added that it feels like his son served for a reason, making the family proud happy for his dedication.
Officers prepare to lay slain Georgia soldier to rest
25-year-old 1st Ft. Tyler Feehan from Canton was killed on duty in Jordan in Operation Epic Fury. His burial service is set to get underway at the Georgia National Cemetery.
The parents remembered their son as an avid Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons fan, a Lego collector, and a devoted leader who loved teaching his soldiers about financial literacy. Stephen Feehan joked that since his father did not know about Tyler's passing before his own, the two are likely sharing a laugh together now.
Military visitation held
What we know:
Friends, military veterans and family members gathered Thursday at the Woodstock Funeral Home to pay their respects to 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan. The Army air defense artillery officer, who was stationed at Fort Bragg, died July 18 during overseas operations.
What they're saying:
"It's really sad when somebody dies that young," said Lou Schoemer, a military veteran and long-time family friend. Family friend Judy Schoemer shared the deep grief felt by those close to the officer, adding, "We knew Tyler when he was small. It's really hard, that's their only son."
Hero's journey home
The backstory:
President Donald Trump met with Feehan's parents at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the dignified transfer of fallen service members. Following the transfer, Feehan's parents flew with the president on Air Force One to Cobb County, where Trump addressed a crowd at Wheeler High School.
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet provided detailed circumstances surrounding the specific incident that led to Feehan's death during the operation. It has been reported that he died during Operation Epic Fury, but the Department of Defense is simply saying he died during "overseas operations."
The Source: The original story has been updated since publication. Several reporters and photojournalists contributed to this story.