Sad But Moving Recent Military History

[KG_Jag]

This is one of the reasons that Soldier and I are proud of our Lone Star State:

Subject: FW: A SOLDIER'S FUNERAL-------TEXAS STYLE

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 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."

I wish I could attach the 11 pictures, but they are two large for our forum.

[KG_Panzerschreck]

It sure is nice to know that there still are places like that out there in this day and age.

I too am blessed to be from an area that has people like those that were mentioned above. last year, we lost a soldier from my hometown in iraq. basicly the whole town shut down the day of his funeral and everyone attended his services. the boy/girl scouts, the little league & the pop warner football teams all last year held bake sales, raffles and even put together a cook book for sale with recipies from every family in town. all procedes went to his family to help pay the bills during this painful time in their lives. the 2 local banks even have accounts set up for the family so you can donate money to help them out as well. to this date over 25,000 has been raised for his family through all efforts. not bad for a little town in the middle of nowhere that only has 1000 people in it.

[KG_Soldier]

A friend of mine sent me the same e-mail -- very moving. There's no place like Texas.

[KG_CrimsonTrooper]

Originally Posted by KG_Soldier

A friend of mine sent me the same e-mail -- very moving. There's no place like Texas.

Is that a good thing?