- Lance Corporal Tyler Owen Griffin
Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of Marine Lance Corporal Tyler Owen Griffin of Voluntown. Tyler, 19, a 2008 graduate of Griswold High School, had served for 30 days in Afghanistan when he was killed by improvised explosive device.
“All of Connecticut mourns a brave and patriotic young man who has given his life for his country and our freedom,” Governor Rell said. “We cannot help but be inspired by the example Lance Corporal Griffin set, even as we join his family and friends in grieving for him. His service will never be forgotten.”
Flags will remain at half-staff until sundown on the day of Lance Corporal Griffin’s burial, which has not been set yet. There are three days of services scheduled. On Monday, April 12, there will be a procession, accompanied by a state police and Patriot Guard escort, along Rt. 165 in Voluntown as Lance Corporal Griffin’s remains are brought to the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, Jewett City, where private services will be held. The public is invited to stand along Rt. 165 as the motorcade passes between 6:00 and 6:30pm on Monday evening. There will be a public wake at the funeral home on Tuesday night, and a public reception at Constitution Field, Voluntown, on Wednesday.
I am so saddened by the loss of this young man in the service of his country. Even though he died being a part of what he always wanted to be – a United States Marine – his sacrifice at such a young age is so tragic. America should forever be grateful that we have such brave men and women who are willing to step up and defend what they so strongly believe in.
Thank you, Tyler, for protecting us, here in the United States. Our thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with LCpl Griffin, and his family and friends.
May he guard the streets of Heaven until we arrive to relieve him.
Semper Fi, Brother
M. R. Harlan
Sgt. USMC 1968-1970
I can’t imagine your grief, I can only hope the pride you have, in the brief life your son lived, can help compensate for this incredible loss. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing how many lives his sacrifice has impacted. I sit here in my comfortable home, safe and secure, because of your sons sacrifice, along with all the other Lance Coporals and nineteen year olds that were raised to recognize an obligation. I can only hope, in some small way, that the acknowledgement of so many people of what your son did for us, and our/his country will give you some comfort. God Bless Lance Corporal Tyler Owen Griffin, his family and his comrades and a very big thank you from a very appreciative American. God Bless Corporal