Griffin Marine Blake Rodgers Laid to Rest on 9/11 Anniversary

As the nation paused to remember the victims of the September 11 terror attacks, a Georgia Marine was laid to rest on Saturday in Griffin. Lance Corporal Blake Rodgers was remembered for his faith and passion for life. His service was inspired by the events of September 11, 2001.

A somber community lined Griffin’s streets on Saturday for the second time in a week to pay tribute. The road for Lance Corporal Rodgers’ life was paved by September 11. Friends and family say he was inspired to join the service after the U.S. was attacked.

"As a young boy, as he sat and cried in his living room at the events he was watching unfold on the TV, said Tim Conort, a family friend. ”In that moment, as the course of his life changed, he made a commitment that one day he would grow up and be our protector. And he would keep us safe."

Family members say he was living up to that commitment by serving as a Marine in Afghanistan, and fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom. On September 1 while on patrol in the Helmand province, a gunman shot Lance Corporal Rodgers in his left shoulder, where his body armor was most vulnerable. He died a short time later.

This September 11, family and friends filled a Griffin church to remember him. As pictures of the 20 year old flashed on a pair of big screens above, he was remembered as playful, loyal, and for having a passion for truly living life.

"Blake was always there when I needed him, said Johnny Lowrimore, his cousin. ”He was more than willing to lend an open ear or open arms. He and I would sit around for hours making each other laugh so heard we couldn't breathe. Without realizing it as it was happening, Blake was molding all of us into better people."

That, combined with his love of serving his country, is what family and friends say will be the legacy of a man who was taken too soon.

Lance Corporal Rodgers was a 2008 graduate of Spalding High School who enlisted in the Marines just two months after receiving his diploma. He was killed during his first tour of duty.