Back in January, Christian rock band Third Day traveled to Kuwait and Iraq to perform for (and with) U.S. troops. The trip, part of the USO’s activities in the area, also included performances at Camp Arijan in Kuwait and Camp Liberty in Baghdad.
The family of Army Spc. Richard Burress (who was killed in action on January 19, 2008) said on their blog that while Burress’ flag-draped casket was transported from Iraq to Kuwait, Third Day was on the same flight. The band saw the casket loaded onto the plane, and not knowing who he was or what else to do, started praying for the soldier’s family.

I know it seems like a minor thing, a band praying for a fallen soldier, but I don’t think it was a coincidence that they were on the same flight at Burress’ casket. I think that in times of great sorrow, God puts together his people to comfort each other, even when they don’t realize it’s happening. Eventually, the family and the band connected and Third Day invited the family to the Rock The Universe event in Orlando in early September.
I know, it seems like a small story, but I’m an avid supporter of our U.S. troops. Their selfless dedication to the defense of America and all she stands for is why average idiots like myself have the freedom to sit around and write about Christian celebrites all day.
And the story, minor as it might seem, really touched my heart, and perhaps the only reason the band was on that trip was to accompany Army Spc. Richard Burress on that leg of his flight, and to bring that small comfort to the family.
I’m a sap for our men and women in uniform. What can I say?