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Emotional tribute to army bomb hero
25 Nov 2009- Cameron urges voters to keep Union
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The widow of a bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan has called on the country to show more support for troops as she paid a powerful tribute to her "warrior" husband at his funeral.
Christina Schmid told the congregation at Truro Cathedral, in Cornwall, that she hoped the death of her husband, Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, would "unite" civilians and troops.
Mrs Schmid, 34, who lived with her husband in Winchester, Hampshire, with her son Laird, five, said Staff Sgt Schmid had "raised the bar" and called on world leaders to do more to protect soldiers.
Hundreds of members of the public lined the streets and looked on as the hearse carrying the soldier's coffin pulled up to the towering, 19th century cathedral.
Soldiers let off three volleys of gunfire and Royal British Legion veterans raised their standards as the coffin, adorned with the soldier's beret and a wreath, was carried inside.
Hundreds of uniformed soldiers, family and friends filled the Gothic revival cathedral, and listened as Mrs Schmid stepped forward to the cathedral altar to speak of her loss.
Wearing her husband's medals, Mrs Schmid remained composed as she said: "In my eyes, my husband - my son's father - was a warrior. Warriors are unique. Our protectors - not destroyers. Olaf and troops like him join to serve traditional warrior values, to passionately protect the country they love, its ideals and especially their families, communities and each other.
"In past conflicts, where there was an immediate threat to our shores and our existence, soldiers were never plagued with self-doubt about the value of their role in society, and people and their soldiers were once close in unity.
"We might disagree with a war; however, I hope Olaf's death, my public storytelling and appreciation, our community display of respect here today can serve to bridge that gap and unite us once more with our troops."
Staff Sgt Schmid, 30, died on October 31 - a day before he was due to return to the UK - while trying to disarm an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Sangin region of Helmand province.
