Sailor killed in Norfolk shooting buried at ANC

By Jim Dresbach, Pentagram Staff WriterMay 5, 2014

Sailor killed in Norfolk shooting buried at ANC
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - At an April 7 Naval Station Norfolk memorial service for Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark A. Mayo, U.S. Navy Chaplain Commander Denis Cox stated that "It is good, fitting and proper that he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery."

That day came April 25.

The Department of the Army shared its Arlington National Cemetery soil for the burial of Mayo, a member of the Naval Station Norfolk security detachment who was fatally wounded after he placed himself between a fellow Sailor and an armed assailant March 24.

Preceding the Section 60 burial, Mayo was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal during a private ceremony at the cemetery.

At Mayo's gravesite, Cox spoke again and reminded those in attendance of the selfless act Mayo performed that March evening.

"Every heart here today knows of the sacrifice Mark Mayo made that day," Cox said. "When he raised his hand and took that oath, he knew he may have to make the ultimate sacrifice."

Following a rifle volley salute, the playing of taps and flag presentations to Mayo's parents, family members concluded the ceremony with the release of doves into the Arlington sky.

Mayo was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Hagerstown, Md.