Not a cloud hovered in the sky Sunday as the sun shone brightly down on the Fribley Field dedication ceremony.

Hundreds of people were in attendance, including state and national dignitaries.

The field, at Richardson-DuBois Park, Warsaw, will be home to the Young Tiger Football program and is named for Marine Lance Cpl. David Fribley, a former football player and a 1996 Warsaw Community High School graduate. Fribley, 26, was one of 18 Marines killed March 23, 2003, near An Nasiriyah Iraq. Fribley was the first Hoosier to die in combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For David's father Garry, the ceremony meant more than words can say.

"I'm just ecstatic," Garry said after the hour-long ceremony. "Words can't say enough to say thank you. This community is just unbelievable."

When a drastic event happens, everyone in the community pulls together. That makes this community special, Garry said, and more communities could learn to be just like it.

Gunnery Sgt. Luis Nino opened the dedication ceremony after four Marines presented the colors. The Rev. Roy Blake gave the invocation. A fly-over was provided by Dave Hurd.

David Fribley's family - his parents Garry and Linda and brother Steven - along with Marine Maj. Tom McKee unveiled the monument in honor of David.

Representing U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, Phil Shaw said the large turnout at the ceremony is a testament to the community's support of the Fribleys. Hopefully, the monument will serve as a reminder of David's sacrifice, he said.

U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh sent Hodge Patel, who said David Fribley led by example.

"He had loyalty to America, loyalty to Indiana and loyalty to Warsaw," Patel said. "... David set an example for all of us to achieve."

This summer, Iraqi athletes competed in the Olympics. David Fribley and hundreds of thousands of men and women like him made that possible, Patel said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Patel said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

David Fribley did just that.

Marine Capt. Nathan Morehouse, representing Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan, called David "a Marine who gave the ultimate sacrifice" for his country. Morehouse said the field could not have happened without the community's support and dedication.

To the young players who will use Fribley Field, "always remember it is the men and women like Fribley who exemplify the heart of a champion," said Morehouse.

State Sen. Kent Adams said it is because of the men and women who have served their country and made sacrifices like Fribley that "we are able to have the freedoms we have today."

State Rep. Dave Wolkins said when he first heard about the plans for the field about a year ago, he was skeptical, but the organizers pulled it off. "It is a tribute to our community and their hard work" and a tribute to Fribley, he said.

Moms and dads aren't supposed to bury their children, said U.S. Rep. Mark Souder. But the reverse is true in that when parents do die before their children, they don't get to see all of their children's accomplishments.

For the past six to eight years, the world watched as terrorists attacked ships, embassies and other targets. Then they hit the World Trade Center and it was decided "enough is enough." Men and women like Fribley decided "to take it to" the terrorists. Sacrifices like Fribley's won't make up for his loss, but he is an example of what makes this country great, Souder said.

"I want to thank the Fribley family for letting us honor their son," said Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins. The people behind Fribley Field had a vision, he said, and he complimented them on seeing that vision through.

McKee was the Marine who had to tell the Fribleys over 1-1/2 years ago that their son had been killed. At the dedication, he read a letter from U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, who said he was honored by the invitation but could not attend. Fribley, according to Cheney's letter, is a hero who gave his life to make the world a better place.

McKee then said during the past 1-1/2 years, he has been lucky to get to know the Fribleys, who have taken him into their home.

"I think every day that I have spent with them has enriched my life," said McKee.

Warsaw Community High School Principal Dr. Jennifer Brumfield spoke about martyrs. Even though David Fribley wouldn't like being called a martyr or a hero, she said, a martyr is someone who dies for a cause. David did that by stepping up to the challenge.

"He would be so excited to see this field," she said. The field came into existence by another set of heroes who saw the project through to the end. She encouraged everyone to continue their involvement.

"Thank you, David," she said, "for the bright light you brought upon this community and continue to do so."

Dave Baumgartner, WCHS assistant football coach, said when he was asked to speak, he did so without hesitation because he felt it was his duty. David Fribley knew what duty is. He never wanted the spotlight, but was the kind of man who did his job quietly and at his best. Baumgartner then offered challenges to everyone involved in Young Tiger Football.

To the parents, he challenged them to become their child's No. 1 fan. To the coaches, he said they should become a student of the sport they teach and that the scoreboard isn't the only means of success. And to the athletes, he said they need to come to practice knowing it won't be easy but to take pride in their schoolwork, team, coaches and the community. They also need to give back. Everyone involved has a duty to make the field an honored place because of who it's named after, Baumgartner said. If everyone joins in and does their duty, Fribley's legacy will live on forever. [[In-content Ad]]