One week ago today, a solider from the town I live in was killed in Afganistan. He was 26 yrs old, was engaged to be married and had an 8 yr old son. I found out a few days later that he was one of my neighbors best friends and the guy was in his wedding alittle over a year ago. He was obviously broken up about what had just happened when he was telling us the story. The guys finacee was over my neighbors house the night after it had happened. Well I guess I should say the guys name was "Jan" rather than keep calling him the "guy".
He had volunteered to go over........he had only 2 months left and he would be home for good. I don't know the whole story other than he died while saving one of his friends. There had been a road side ambush of some type and Jan had gotten out of the vehicle and laid down over one of his friends to protect him.........that is the place he died. His friend lived........
They brought his body back home on Friday and I have never experienced such a thing in my life. There were hundreds of bikers, state police, firetrucks, etcc... that escorted the hearse. When they arrived in town, people cried as the hearse drove by while others saluted. It brings chills as I think about it.........
The viewing was held at a local church because they expected so many people. It was Friday night........ we drove by the church and I was amazed at the amount of people. They were lined up inside the church in zigzag lines......out the doors, down the side walk, thru the packing lot and down the street. The local newspapers said people stood in line for 2-3 hrs to pay their respects.
Saturday was the buriel........the procession was over a mile long. At the top of the street of the route they were traveling, they had 2 firetrucks with both ladders raised and were touching. They hung an American Flag in the middle...........
All of the on ramps to the highway were shut down as they escorted the body to the final resting place. When they arrived, they took the flag that was covering the casket and gave it to his son.
I hear of people dying in war all the time but have never experienced it so close to home. My heart goes out to his family. He was a true hero......
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4 comments:
Thanks for sharing this Sandy.
Leigh Ann
My heart to the families and the heroes in our armed forces.
Thanks
It's always hard to hear these stories. My thoughts and prayers are always with them and their families.
I am glad the people paid this solider such respect. He deserved it. I am so thankful for all the men and women who are willing to give thier lives that we may be safe.God bless them all. Thank you, Sandy for sharing this. connie from Texas
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