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."
! 
These
photos
are awesome!!
|
