Wow- this should be done for all of them!

[sunshine]

What follows is a message from Vicki Pierce about her nephew James' funeral (he was serving our country in Iraq):


"I'm back, it was certainly a quick trip, but I have to also say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. There is a lot to be said for growing up in a small town in Texas. The service itself was impressive with wonderful flowers and sprays, a portrait of James, his uniform and boots, his awards and ribbons. There was lots of military brass and an eloquent (though inappropriately longwinded) Baptist preacher. There were easily 1000 people at the service, filling the church sanctuary as well as the fellowship hall and spilling out into the parking lot.

However, the most incredible thing was what happened following the service on the way to the cemetery. We went to our cars and drove to the cemetery escorted by at least 10 police cars with lights flashing and some other emergency vehicles, with Texas Rangers handling traffic. Everyone on the road who was not in the procession, pulled over, got out of their cars, and stood silently and respectfully, some put their hands over their hearts.

When we turned off the highway suddenly there were teenage boys along both sides of the street about every 20 feet or so, all holding large American flags on long flag poles, and again with their hands on their hearts. We thought at first it was the Boy Scouts or 4H club or something, but it continued .... for two and a half miles. Hundreds of young people, standing silently on the side of the road with flags. At one point we passed an elementary school, and all the children were outside, shoulder to shoulder holding flags . kindergartners, handicapped, teachers, staff, everyone. Some held signs of love and support. Then came teenage girls and younger boys, all holding flags. Then adults. Then families. All standing silently on the side of the road. No one spoke, not even the very young children.

The military presence..at least two generals, a fist full of colonels, and representatives from every branch of the service, plus the color guard which attended James, and some who served with him ... was very impressive and respectful, but the love and pride from this community who had lost one of their own was the most amazing thing I've ever been privileged to witness.





I've attached some pictures, some are blurry (we were moving), but you can get a small idea of what this was like. Thanks so much for all the prayers and support."


Denise's note:

I uploaded these pictures to my album so you can see them.

http://photobucket.com/albums/b196/N...ary%20funeral/

[Chea]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss but what you wrote moved me to tears! I agree -- we should do this for each and every solider who makes the ultimate sacrifice as well as for every solider coming home from a long tour of duty. Thank you so much for sharing -- its nice to know there are still caring people in the world!

[PrairieRose]

That is very moving Denise. In April of '04 when we lost a close personal friend in Iraq, he wasn't buried here in our small town but in a city of 150,000. The drive to the cemetary was as moving as the funeral b/c the road was lined with people waving flags, men standing at attention with their hats over their hearts, truckers standing on the steps of their cabs saluting, bikers at attention..... . It was very, very moving. As we pulled out of the parking lot from the church there was a woman holding a huge sign that said "THANK YOU Lcpl Austin" . I think it happens more than we know, actually.

[Michelle]

That is so very touching, and I agree, it should be done for all of them.