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In Tennessee we really do pull off the road and stop
for funerals. Nobody moves until the last car has gone by.
What follows is
a message from Vicki Pierce about her nephew James' funeral (he was
serving our country in Iraq ):
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 Tennessee police 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.



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