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Posted By: Triss Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 07:04 AM
I just had to share this because it moved me so. A friend of mine sent this to me. Her dad sent it to her.
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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 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."

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Thanks afgrey for telling me how to share this with everyone. I was not able to add all of the images that were in the email, but you get the idea.
Posted By: 4Ruddy Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 07:44 AM
OMG Triss.......*as she wipes MANY tears from her eyes* I shared this with hubby...although I am not one to take a camera to a funeral..I am so thankful this person did.
Although my son was not in the service...(did not have that oppertunity) our small town did the same exact thing for his funeral perssesion. Business' closed and the ones that could not close for the service...were standing in front of their offices/stores during the persession. There was no school that day...they closed for the service. I just have to tell you that it is overwhelming the honor that is shown in these pictures. Certainly is a breath of fresh air in the society we live in today! Thank you again for sharing this...it is VERY moving!
Posted By: afgreyparrot Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 08:00 AM
Triss...that made me cry before I even got to the pictures.
ters

This one had me bawling... ters
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Cindy
Posted By: JV Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 08:14 AM
These young people are the ones that are the future of our country. God Bless them and your friend and her family & God Bless America
Very Very moving. ters
Jimmy
Posted By: Triss Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 08:17 AM
I showed my kids. We don't really know anyone specific in the service and obviously mine are too young but if any of them ever want to join the military, I will be scared to death, but in favor of it wholeheartedly.
Posted By: Nana's11 Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 08:35 AM
We have 3 family members in the service- one in Iraq right now- tears are falling - this is so moving and wonderful too... thanks for sharing this with us-- it is so beautiful to know young people in this country will stand up for the flag still..
Nana
Posted By: Karrie Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 10:10 AM
I have goose bumps all over and a knot in my throat. I am a very patriotic person. My bedroom is all decorated in our colors. This makes you feel a little better about the direction our young people are going.
Posted By: mike57 Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 02:06 PM
I got sent the same email last week from my cousin that lives in texas.it touched my heart at the core more people should read this i sent it to evreyone i know. it shows the gratitude and pride of that small Texas town people have for our young people in the milatary.may god bless and keep them safe.there in my thoughts and prayers evryday.your friend mike57
Posted By: Triss Re: Soldiers Funeral ~ forward of an email. - July 25th, 2005 at 10:17 PM
I am with you Mike, I forwarded it to everyone I know in hopes that more and more people will read it.
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