The funeral for Sergeant Maria Rampersad, one of three U.S. soldiers killed on July 17 during an Iranian missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, took place last Friday at Calvary Assembly of God in Queens, New York. Rampersad, who was raised in Ozone Park and a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, had joined the Army following the example of her uncle.

Hundreds attended the service, including family members, neighbors, fellow service members, and community representatives. The ceremony featured stirring gospel music and tributes highlighting Rampersad’s leadership and interpersonal skills. Daisy Davis-Credle, president of the Queens Sunday School Association, praised Rampersad’s ability to communicate effectively across ranks in the military.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered remarks during the service, expressing personal admiration for the fallen soldier. She was followed by Ozone Park Residents Block Association President Sam Esposito, state Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Queens), and Rampersad’s uncle, Richards.

Notably absent from the lineup of speakers was New York City Mayor Steven Mamdani, whose decision not to speak at the funeral drew criticism. While other local officials addressed the crowd, Mamdani remained silent and took no apparent public action to meet with Rampersad’s family in the days prior to the funeral, as is often customary for city leaders. His official schedule and social media posts showed no visits or condolences extended to the family.

Instead, Mamdani spent much of the week participating in other activities, including a city housing-related press event aboard a double-decker bus and media interviews aimed at raising his public profile. His office released a prepared statement of remarks the mayor had intended to deliver at the funeral, in which he honored Rampersad’s sacrifice and noted the personal tomorrows she forfeited to protect others.

The mayor’s absence at the funeral was pointedly noted by some attendees and local officials. First-term City Councilman Frank Morano (R-Staten Island), who is often critical of Mamdani, expressed surprise at the mayor’s decision to refrain from speaking. “I didn’t understand why they would have lower-level officials speak and not the mayor,” Morano said.

Following the service, an NYPD escort carried Rampersad’s coffin from the church through a procession that stretched for several blocks, culminating in her interment in Long Island. The community continues to mourn the loss of a soldier regarded not only for her military service but also for her personal warmth and leadership.