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Subject: Soldiers' Funeral (Texas Style)
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 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."
These photos are awesome!!
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Courtesy of Nancy
Prayer chain for our Military...please don't
break it
Please send this on after a short prayer.
Prayer for our soldiers...please don't break
it
Prayer
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their families for
the selfless acts they
perform for us in our time of need. I ask this
in the name of Jesus, our
Lord and Savior. Amen."
Prayer Request: When you receive this, please
stop for a moment and say a
prayer for our troops around the world.
There is nothing attached.... .. Just send
this to all the
people in your address book. Do not let it
stop with you, please....
Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier,
Sailor, Airman, Marine &others
deployed in harm's way,
Prayer is the very best one!
.
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