Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Proud to be an American…

I don’t consider myself very patriotic, but, today, I felt moreso, than ever!

A kid from our town was killed in Afghanistan.  A kid!!  He was only 19.  I think he’d been out of high school for a year, and was serving his first tour overseas, as a medic. 

Not anymore. 

He’s dead. 

Jake and I were having lunch on the main street of our little town, and flags lined the streets, and crowds were gathered along them. 

We asked a woman what was going on, and she told us, about this fallen soldier.  His body was being flown back from the Middle East, and was being driven from the airport in our town, to the funeral home in the neighboring town.  There was a large processional, and the locals came out in droves, to line the streets, wave these flags, and salute this soldier, who died for our country. 

This kid, who died for our country. 

The processional was about two miles long.  Fire trucks and police officers from every town nearby led the way, and motorbike gangs, from the “Killed in Action” groups, and Patriot Guard Riders, were there to escort their comrade.     

It was incredible. 

fallen soldier

I can’t think of another time, that I’ve ever felt anywhere close to that amount of pride in my country. 

Or, in my small town.

And, especially, in a boy, whose body was now in a coffin, covered by our flag. 

It was solemnly beautiful. 

9 comments:

Stacey said...

That is so sad! I know I'm very proud of him!

Dawn said...

Wow. That was so beautifully written. So poignant and sad. What a great show of support for that boy's family.

Thank you for sharing that...even if it did make me cry.

Melinda said...

In Canada we call this 'the highway of heroes' As they bring our soldiers home the highway overpasses, highways and streets are lined with flags and people to show their respect for our fallen soldiers. The idea is that he/she never travels alone.

Margaret said...

When ever I see that it always makes me cry! I am so proud of the "boys" that are over there serving.

Allie said...

Makes me proud. I heard about it on FB. Glad yall went.

Anonymous said...

That post gave me goose bumps. Thanks for sharing.

Mama SeWELL said...

Always so sad, makes life seem more real sometimes knowing someone so young can be so brave.

Great post!!

Scott S. said...

Nice Nikki. Being a military brat, it always sucks to hear about soldiers losing their life. And for him to be so young. So nice of you to share that story

Alicia W. said...

That breaks my heart! What a great town you live in to pay such respect to this kid that gave his life for our country. Thanks for sharing.

http://twobsandme.blogspot.com/2010/07/camping-boob-sweat-summer-oh-my.html