Reflections on a funeral procession (07/03/08)

To the editor:

We seek to honor those who protect and defend us!

I heard about the body of a young soldier being transported back to Jay County for burial in a local cemetery this week. Funeral services were to be held on that Friday morning. I looked at Mom and said, "Why not be there for the procession?"

Little did I realize the impact of what I had decided to do that day for me.

As I stood there waiting, my tall American flag waiving in the breeze, I felt a little foolish. Who was I to do this thing and why was I there? Why should I want to even stand out here to watch let alone hold an American flag by its staff and present it to the people as they drove by?

I stood there and reminded myself of what our great country stands for. How many men and women have fought and fallen in battle just so that I could be free to express my right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I just wanted to be there to show support for the family and let them know I cared. I also wanted to show that I also care about this country, our way of life, and I even care about those who hate us and wish to rid the world of us.

May they be wrong or right, everyone has a right to their own opinion the same as I have. If it wasn't for the American people standing tall and being free though, I feel that this world would be a really sad and lonely place for sure.

As I watched the seemingly endless motorcade of vehicles following the hearse as it made its way from the high school to the cemetery for the young heroes' final destination, I could see the emotions felt by all the people.

Some of the people were crying, some of them nodded or waved my way as they saw the respect I wanted to show by presenting the flag to honor our fallen hero. I tried to choke back tears and put on a brave front so that no one else would see. Thank heaven for dark sunglasses.

Some of the people were wearing uniforms as well as others having flags attached to their vehicles. A whole procession of motorcycles went by rumbling and shaking the ground, all of them silent and respectful as I was trying to be. It was quite a moving experience to say the least.

I stood there, tall and silent, with my flag billowing in the breeze and it seemed like the world just went away. There were many people standing on the streets watching today as the cavalcade of vehicles proceeded down through the streets of our city. Each of them different with their own beliefs and unique ways of thinking and I couldn't help but think one unanimous thought.

We all came together in one like mind, body and spirit.

We came together to honor and thank a fallen hero who had given his life so that we may have ours.

The war is far away from here and, for most of us, it does not seem to be real. That is until one of our own comes home to finally rest in peace. To them, their job is done. No more fighting to protect and defend. No more volunteering to go where no one should really have to go in order that we may all be free one day.

No more shall this young and courage's young man walk the earth. He gave his life for his people, his God and his country.

And to that, I say, rest in peace soldier. You have earned it. May we all get to heaven and see you there smiling at the pearly gates.

Patrick R. Smith

Portland[[In-content Ad]]