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 |  Respect For a Soldier |  |
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I was going to put this in the photo section but
decided it belongs here in “Food for Thought”. First, because it is
unusual for me to post anything that might appear to be supporting this
war. And then, more importantly, because this show of respect for a fallen
soldier is most appropriate and touching. No matter how much I may
disagree with the war —— my heart and support do go out to the soldiers who are
doing their duty. It may seem to be a conflict of position, but life is
conflict. And I don’t immediately assume those flying the flag are all in
agreement —— completely. Some may be showing support for the war AND the
fallen soldier. Others may simply be showing respect for the
deceased. The important thing is that I think we can assume they are all
saddened by this loss and respectful of those left behind.
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 who
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.
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