A Hero's Farewell

[Belinda Barfield]

Not saying this is exclusive to Georgia, but it sure made be proud to be a Georgian. You might want to have a box of tissues handy.

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.


http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

[Rob Cunningham]

Belinda,
Thanks for posting the link. A very moving and fitting tribute to one of today's true heroes.

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain"

[Mike Wilkins]

A similar story happened here in eastern North Carolina a couple of years ago and the amount of support and respect was awesome.
Helps restore faith in mankind.

[Roy Wall]

Thank you for the post.........very emotional.
We love our troops, and pray for them often. The American Soldiers are truly Heroes -- The outpouring of support for this young man is beautiful.

[jeremy levine]

Thanks, for posting. I really didn't need to be so choked up this early in the day but it's not the worst thing. It makes me this of the days after 9/11/01 ( and now I'm fully choked up )

[Don Abele]

Belinda, thanks for posting this. I've seen this (and several others) and yes - they choke me up - every time.

In general, I have faith in the goodness of our society and their desire to do the right thing. Often times though, the right thing is harder and many just choose the easier route. I don't begrudge them that - it's their choice, one they are free to make here.

When one of our fallen heros returns, we should all stop and remember the sacrifice they made so we could continue on with our lives oblivious to the dangers around us.

Be well,

Doc

[Jim Mattheiss]

22 seconds before the first tear fell.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Belinda,

Thank you.

[Ron Jones near Indy]

Thank you Belinda. I am saddened at the loss of one of our troops. Then I reflect on this and I am even more saddened that a whole generation of our troops were not accorded similar respect.

[Dennis Peacock]

A most moving video Belinda...and I too stand in honor and respect for this soldier and his family. I have the honor to ride and serve with the local Patriot Guard Riders in providing escort and family protection from war protesters so the family may bury their lost one in peace. It is out hope and prayer that through our service that we can provide a safe place for the family and the funeral service as well as having the opportunity to help bring honor and respect to the fallen soldier and the grieving family.

Thank you for sharing the link. It has reminded me of the hardest thing I've ever done and the most honorable thing I've ever done.....serve in the funeral service of a local fallen soldier that gave all for his country. Salute rendered and heart bowed.

[Dave Ray]

Thank you Belinda for sharing this. A remarkable out pouring of love and respect from the people of Georgia. Thank God for the men and women who defend this country.

[Dave Garcia]

Not saying this is exclusive to Georgia, but it sure made be proud to be a Georgian. You might want to have a box of tissues handy.

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.


http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

Belinda,

Thank you so much for sharing this.

Dave Garcia
The Wood Block, Ltd
Vietnam '69 - '75
USN Retired

[Dennis Peacock]

Belinda,

Thank you so much for sharing this.

Dave Garcia
The Wood Block, Ltd
Vietnam '69 - '75
USN Retired

Dave Garcia.......Thank YOU for YOUR service to our country. There are many who hold you in honor and respect to this very day for your service spent in the Vietnam war era.

[Dave Anderson NH]

It is only fitting that such a tribute be given. This fine man gave all he had.
For Ron Jones I have the message that we Vietnam vets swore an oath. "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." You are right sir, many of us will go go to the grave resenting the fact that that the public could not separate the sacrifices of the troops from the politics of that war.

[Belinda Barfield]

You are all welcome. Thanks to all of you who served, and those currently serving.

I spent the morning of Memorial Day at the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum Memorial Garden, then headed downtown for the groundbreaking ceremony for our WWII Memorial. Other than families of the WWII veterans present, the majority of those in attendance were Vietnam veterans. After the ceremony almost every person in the crowd stopped to thank the veterans for their service, including those who served in Vietnam. Just thought you'd like to know.