Sometimes, because of where we live, the roads are blocked off for a motorcade. Often times this is very inconvenient and can cause severe traffic back up.
Sometimes, I don't mind in the least.
This morning my bus was stopped at the intersection by my house for about 3-5 minutes. There were more than a dozen police motorcycles and even a few undercover cop cars.
Then came the hearse.
When I saw the hearse heading into Ft. Myer with a flag covered coffin in the back I immediately changed from curious to sadly grateful.
I am thankful for the man or woman in that coffin, for their service to our country, and for their willingness to sacrifice their own life for the benefit of others. I am thankful for the family and friends of that soldier who followed behind, who lost their child, spouse, or friend to a calling greater than themselves.
Remember to thank service members when you see them.
I am thankful to have a daughter who writes lovely pieces like this. Thank you for the reminder honey, and yes, I do thank every single military person I see, ever since Andrew. God bless them every one.
ReplyDeleteOh man, Annie. I once was stuck in this huge traffic back up in an itty bitty town in Maine. I was so annoyed . . . we were going to be late meeting our friends to go camping, etc.
ReplyDeleteAnd then a motorcade came through, just like you described, and it was immediatly clear it was a soldier's funeral. I was so embarassed and mad for being so selfish, complaining about traffic, that I just bursed into tears. The way traffic was reintroduced, we were the first car behind the procession and followed it several more miles to a church.
I will never ever forget that day. Your story just brought it all back. It is just so moving to see and makes me so thankful for everything.
-Kathy
I'm behind on blog reading, but this is a beautiful post and it brought tears to my eyes. I am so grateful for those who serve so we can have so many beautiful freedoms.
ReplyDelete