I got this email yesterday and seeing the many different posts
supporting our soldiers, I felt compelled to share this but it didn't
seem right to share it on other posts that were about support and prayer
of the safe return of our troops. So I'm putting it under a new post.


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 who 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."

Sorry the photos wouldn't paste in.

May God bless our soldiers and their families, may He especially bless
and comfort the friends and families of those who gave their lives for
our freedom. May God especially bless those soldiers returning from war
with physical and mental injuries. Thank you to all the soldiers out
there doing so much for those of us at home who do so little.