How Texas Honored a Fallen Hero

June 9, 2011 | vanity

[bgill]

It was a sad day yesterday when Pfc. Anthony Nunn was laid to rest. I’ve told y’all about Anthony and how great a kid, now a man and hero, he was and how his huge smile would light up any room. A Brigadier General presented the Bronze Star to his family and the Congressional Medal of Honor is “in the works.” In attendance, along with his fellow soldiers locally and from Ft. Campbell, was a most personable Navy Captain from San Antonio.

The reason for this post is to tell of the amazing warmth and emotions of the wonderful patriotic citizens of Texas who never knew him but who felt the need to line the streets of two towns and 30 miles in near 100 degree mid-day sun to pay homage. It was overwhelming. People came out of their homes to stand along the highway. Businesses stopped operating while owners, employees, and customers stood along the road. Restaurant customers brought out their meals to pay respect. Men had their hats on their hearts and saluted. Flags were everywhere. It was much the same Tuesday when he was flown in.

Law enforcement from surrounding towns helped with traffic control blocking every street so that at no place for those 30 miles could anyone cut into the procession. The officers dressed in full uniform and saluted. City and County workers were also in uniform with their vehicles stationed along the way – including the dog catcher. At the city limit, the Lampasas and Marble Falls fire departments brought their trucks to arch their cranes to fly a huge American flag across the highway. As we passed under the arch, the Texas Confederate Air Force flew over in missing man formation. I don’t know anyone’s heart that didn’t tighten at that sight.

Back in the day, everyone pulled off and stopped on roads when a funeral procession passed, but it’s just not done so much now. There were only two cars that didn’t stop though they did drive slowly. People actually got out of their cars to stand. Others grouped at intersections along the way out in the country to await the procession. From what we could see in front and behind us, the procession was at least 3 miles long.

At the cemetery, the 50-some Patriot Guard Riders made a horseshoe of flags. As Taps was played, the wind picked up causing the flags to whip loudly as if Anthony knew. Thanks, again, Patriot Guard. Thank you, Texas for showing such support. You did Anthony proud and gave him a great send off.

[bgill]

Anthony, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice allowing us the freedoms America gives not only to her citizens but peoples around the world. You are loved and will be sorely missed.

[Moozle]

God keep and hold you Anthony. My sincerest condolences to the family and citizens of Texas who have lost this dear young hero.

[The Sons of Liberty]

Amen.

[I cannot think of a name]

I won't say that Texas is perfect, but it sure beats the alternatives. I remember being in the service during Viet Nam and actually being warned about going home on leave in uniform. Seems like in other states, in addition to being yelled at, people in uniform were being spit on.

Never happened once in all my trips back to Texas. I suspect there were too many people like my Dad that would have swung first, and worried about the consequences later. Somebody wants to spit, they might as well spit some blood.

[thefactor]

Medal of Honor? What are the circumstances? Might have to do a search.

[deport]

PFC Anthony Nunn

8 other photos at this link

[Swede Girl]

:O(

[bgill]

Medal of Honor? What are the circumstances?

None of the details have been released.

[daniel boob]

Amen.

[brushcop]

I suspect there were too many people like my Dad that would have swung first, and worried about the consequences later.

Most of us Dads in Texas are still that way...

Our youngest son fought 2 1/2 long years in Iraq and I wouldn't stand for that behavior then nor will I today. During VN, I had a friend that rearranged a hippie's nose for making a smart remark when he came back.

I always traveled in uniform coming from and going on leave, we have given too much ground to these traitors, time to take our country back.

[stevie_d_64]

Thanks for the update “bgill”...

Remember what we talked about...

I’m glad to see the area turn out for the kid...And they (people) did in in a way that honored him and those that have served with great dignity and respect...

[texas_mrs]

Thanks for sharing this story and for telling us about Pfc. Anthony Nunn. I’m proud that Texans showed the proper respect for this young man.

[stevie_d_64]

Ohhh, it mentioned the MOH in the works...That is great news as well...I hope the family benefits from that honor!!!

[wolfcreek]

The last time we were in Burnet they were burying a soldier. Too soon to bury another.

Thanks for posting this bgill. Does my heart good to see how my fellow Texans conduct themselves.

Prayers Up for Anthony's friends and family in their moment of bereavement

[smokingfrog]

RIP

God bless our soldiers.

All gave some.

Some gave all.

[bgill]

Yes, that was last August. He was also treated to the same respect.