Funeral for a Soldier (Texas Style)

E-mail from former Congressman Steve Stockman | July 12, 2003 | Vicki Pierce

[anymouse]

Glad to live in a state where our soldiers and sailors are respected...

What follows is a message from Vicki Pierce (a member of my church here in Highlands Ranch) 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, his boots. 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, some had small flags. Shop keepers came outside with their customers and did the same thing.

Construction workers stopped their work, got off their equipment and put their hands over their hearts, too. There was no noise whatsoever except a few birds and the quiet hum of cars going slowly up the road.

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 4F 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 last few turns found people crowded together holding flags or with their hands on their hearts. Some were on horseback.

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.

[anymouse]

This e-mail was forwarded to me with photos.

I figured this would be a more efficient way to let FReepers read this and see the inspiring photos.

[Support Free Republic]

.REMEMBER

CAN PREVENT

FUNDRAISERS

.

PLEASE SUPPORT FREE REPUBLIC Donate Here By Secure ServerOr mail checks to FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794 or you can use PayPal at Jimrob@psnw.com

STOP BY AND BUMP THE FUNDRAISER THREAD-
It is in the breaking news sidebar!

[anymouse]

Ping

[SevenDaysInMay]

Through our tears, never fears.

We lost one of our best.

I am proud to be just another Texan.

[El Gato]

Makes me proud to live in the same state. By the looks of the countryside, it probably wasn't too far from here either.

[NTegraT]

Just when I think the whole world's gone to heck, up pops little glimmers of hope. I'm proud to be a Texan also. I'm proud of so many of my fellow Texans and for our soldiers, all of them.

[The Mayor]

I am deeply moved by the show of Respect for another Hero!

[Sokol]

Thank you for the post.

[Fiddlstix]

[Feckless]

This time it's Texas, of which I'm proud to be a son, but it could be anywhere in "flyover country". There are too many of us who love this land and cherish its freedoms and treasures to let these fine warriors die in vain. From one old soldier whose good fortune in battle leaves him destined to fade away, God speed young patriot. We salute you.

[Bill Davis FR]

bump for texas...

[CGVet58]

Inspiring! Thank you for posting this.

[SAMWolf]

Great read and pictures on this thread.

Thanks for the ping anymouse

[RadioAstronomer]

Thanks for the ping!

[Dubya]

Thanks for posting this.

[ErnBatavia]

I've looked at this thread for an hour now, and remain speechless...something to do with a lump in my throat, I guess.

[SAMWolf]

No problem RA.

[OldEagle]

Me too. I'm humbled with admiration for those proud, wonderful people.

[Squantos]

Stay Safe ya'll...........

[TheSpottedOwl]

Thanks for posting this. If I ever get a chance to get out of Kalifornistan, I know where I want to move. Incredible pictures...