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STAMFORD, Conn. A memorial to Brian Bill outside Trinity Catholic High School was built by two of the fallen Navy SEAL's classmates, Michael Sasser and Andrea Pavia Garrison. The two wanted a place for people to honor their friend, Diane Warzoha said.
They wanted a tangible way for people to pause and reflect on what Brians death meant, said Warzoha, assistant principal at Trinity Catholic and who taught Spanish to Bill, when he was a student there.
A dozen American flags surround a green and yellow wreath. Inside the wreath are pictures of Bill, his high school hockey number 24, and a ribbon from his graduation Class of 1997, saying, Youre a hero to all of us, we love you. People have been stopping by and paying their respects since the memorial was put in place Tuesday, Warzoha said.
Bill, a U.S. Navy SEAL, was serving in Afghanistan when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the helicopter he was in Saturday Aug. 6. Bill was one of 38 U.S. and Afghan troops killed in the crash.
In addition to the memorial set up by his classmates, Bill has been honored around the state. Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered all Connecticut and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff, a statement from the governors office said.
Chief Petty Officer Bills family and friends are in our prayers as we grieve the loss of a true Connecticut hero, Malloy said in the statement. The City of Stamford and the State of Connecticut will always remember the sacrifice that Chief Petty Officer Bill and the other courageous men and women in uniform have made in defense of our nation.
A candlelight prayer vigil is expected to take place at Trinity Catholic over the weekend. Warzoha said still waiting for more information before making an official announcement.
Share any memories and experiences you have with Brian Bill below or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo, tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.
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