Special thanks to Patch Editor Doug Donovan for posting this moving tribute to Maj. Robert Marchanti II on short notice.

Also a thank you to NHCA Community President John Ayres for giving me as heads-up on the memorial.

I will be posting more photos of the service.

Taking pictures during a Memorial Service is rude and obnoxious.

Hey Adam, the Maj. was military hero. The country and community honors those heroes. We honor them with memorial services like this and as for the photos, it shows the outpouring of love and concern from the community and those who took the time to show their respect.

Because of the coverage of Maj. Robert Marchanti's service to his country his tragic death, along with his sacrifice, he is now part of American history. That is the way we honor heroes.

Maybe this link will shed some light on the subject and next time you won't make such a thoughtless and crass comment to those that record American history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8LmBGiEURA

Did you ask permission from the bereaved family before you so rudely intruded?

It was awkward having the press there. We had so little space available under the pavilion in the 1st place, forcing many of his mourning students and friends to stand out in the rain.

Fair question. Did you seek and/or receive permission prior to attending/photographing?

I know I was upset to have to move around cameras and press at my uncle's memorial. Having a retired WBAL tv camera man in the family, it never used to be like that. Getting the story does not mean trampling over mourners.

I feel that I must address this issue because three of the above comments are based on a personal agenda where they do not support our fallen heroes like Maj. Robert Marchanti. Adam is not who he claims to be. Patrice has made only two comments on this site and doubt she was at this event.

My question for Amy, since this is your very first comment on Patch regarding the passing of this war hero, why did you wait so long too speak on his sacrifice? I checked with people who helped organized this vigil and no one seems to recognize your name.

This vigil was publicized by WBAL with channels 11, 13, 45, The Dundalk Eagle and other news outlets in attendance. It was held in public at a public facility owned by the county.

This allows the entire community to come together and honor this fallen hero.

It is a travesty and despicable for people to use the death of a fallen hero to further their agenda that does not support this countries fallen heroes, troops and veterans.

The memorial was thought up by Bob Marchanti's students, and they made it happen, with minimal help from others. I know, because I was one of the others. They got permission from the authorities, and they invited the media. So who are these people complaining that the media were there? Unless they were his students, his friends, his comrades in the National Guard, or his devastated but proud family (who were all there in force Friday night), why is their opinion even remotely relevant? I spoke with the young man who spearheaded the whole effort, and he told me that he wished the whole world could know about Mr. Marchanti.

Thank you for setting the record straight. Maj. Marchanti's sacrifice will now be a part of this nation's history.

I have dealt with this group before. They care nothing about the values of this nation or those who serve to protect it.

The whole world will now know of Bob Marchanti's life, service and devotion to his family and country.

What did you sacrifice Draft Dodger?

"Draft dodger"? I registered for the draft as soon as I was old enough, and would gladly go today if my country called. The man whose name I bear retired from the Air Force just before I was born. Tne man I call "Dad," who married my mother a few years later and stayed with her until she died 30 years after that, had 20 years in the Army. My son is at the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis. You should have seen my dad administer the oath for my son on his induction day, which also happened to be the 40th anniversary of my dad's retirement from the Army. It was an unfogettable moment. "Draft dodger"? The church I serve as pastor has worshiped and served in Dundalk since 1930. The names of our members who have served in the military, including some who have died in that service, are posted conspicuously on our wall. Patriotism in general, and military service in particulary, are rooted deeply in our culture as a church. "Draft dodger"? To precisely whom are you talking, sir?

Gudnews, he is not directing his comments towards you. I believe Mr. Armstrong is AKA AdamBaum the one who posted the first negative comment. I am the target of their agenda. It is me they are after.

This issue is being dealt with by the proper authorities. This is the only to stop this kind of person.