I was sent this in an email and I’m proud to say, it brought me to full-on tears. Tears of sorrow for the fallen soldier and his family, even though I did not know him.
Tears of happiness fell as well. That area is pretty close to where I used to call home. It made me overjoyed to know that folks there do still care. I didn’t see the first cell phone, didn’t see the first ugly sign. Didn’t see any whooping it up partying.
I saw Reverence. Remembrance. Respect.
Georgia; The USA- there may be hope for you yet. God Bless SFC Beale & his family. Thank you.
This SFC was in the Brigade where a friend of mine is an ETT team lead. SFC
Beale was one of the GOOD guys!
Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C.
Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south
of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted
the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice
in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate
time. Nowadays one can be led to believe that America no longer respects
honor and no longer honors sacrifice outside the military. Be it known that
there are many places in this land where people still recognize the courage
and impact of total self-sacrifice. Georgia remains one of those graceful
places. The link below is a short travelogue of that day’s remarkable and
painful journey. But only watch this if you wish to have some of your faith
in people restored.
