Maj. Thomas Kennedy

WEST POINT – Major Thomas Kennedy, a native of New City, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 8, was eulogized as a patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

A 2000 graduate of United States Military Academy, Kennedy, 35, was buried at the Post Cemetery after a funeral at the Cadet Chapel on Friday.

Congresswoman Nan Hayworth attended the funeral and burial. She called Kennedy’s death “a terrible sacrifice” and said the country should take pause about staying in Afghanistan.

“We need to think very, very hard about how long we continue, and how we continue, this mission in Afghanistan,” Hayworth said. “It has to be based on crucial strategic priorities and Major Kennedy’s death gives us pause yet again that what are we accomplishing there because every life that we lose is precious.”

State Senator William Larkin, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army, said the service was “one of the most moving ceremonies” he has ever attended.

Army Chief of Staff Raymond Odierno also attended the moving ceremony.

Major Kennedy is survived by his wife, two small children, his parents, two brothers and their wives.