Frilly dresses, American flags, angel costumes mark Christina's funeral

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)

The casket for Christina Taylor Green seemed too small to hold the grief and despair of the 2,000 mourners who packed into a church today to say goodbye to the 9-year-old girl whose life began and ended with two soul-searching moments for the country.

Reminders of the innocence of the bubbly girl born Sept. 11, 2001 were everywhere: A group of little girls dressed in frilly dresses and white tights craned to see as their friend's casket rolled into the church and Christina's best friend sneaked them a wave from her place in the processional line.

Outside the church, more little girls - and hundreds of other people - wearing white and waving American flags lined both sides of the street for more than a quarter-mile to show their support. Hundreds of motorcycle riders from all over stood guard and more than a dozen residents were dressed as angels.

For the full story, read Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.