Posted on 07/12/2003 1:34:25 PM PDT by 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.
I found that photo, btw... Don't know who the soldier is, though.
This thread shed's more light.
Post 36 is most informative.
The people in Comfort, TX were aware of how their fallen son went down I am sure...and they sent en masse a message to those animals, to America, to James and his family and to God in Heaven.
God bless them all...God rest James...and God comfort his wife and child and parents and loved ones there in Comfort, TX...where the town lived up to its name.
James was part of the 507th that got ambushed. Follow the links on 106.
Best regards my friend.
Stay Safe Jeff.........Hope yer day was easy.
This put one of those lumps in my throat, too. It has the same impact this time around.
Wow! Is this a great Country/State or what ??
Thanks for the post and ping, Anymouse!
My apologies if you've already been pinged or seen this already.
Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
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