:SOLDIER'S FUNERAL (TEXAS STYLE] & They Need Our Prayers
I usually never forward these, but when you read it you will understand why I did. It is a very moving story. Everyone should read this and take a moment to appreciate the men and women (and their families back home) who are defending us around the world to make our world a better place for all. Kelley --------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's something to be said for being raised in a small town.
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 inTexas. 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, withTexasRangers 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."
These photos are awesome!! This was an e-mail that I just recieved. I don't know how to get the photos from the letter to this post. PM me if you want me to send them, or tell me how to get the jpg's to photobucket form...they made my eyes a bit wet...
It made me cry. I intend to bump it till our Texans all see it. THEY are the best. I did a lot of karate in Texas. I was real well treated. They support their own in Texas...
And your right about us. We stand by anyone in the community. I grew up in a small TX town of about 500 people. I rememebr when one of the local high school teachers died everyone in town went to the funeral. They closed down the grocery store, gas station, school, and post office for it.
My heavens. If you died here where I live, I doubt people could find your obit, you sure would not make the news or anything. My grandma lives in Flandreau SD. She said over 100 people came to her 95th birthday party. Musta been a good portion of the town.
