The long journey home

[Gini]

A friend of ours sent this.. This is POWERFUL I'm hoping the link works What a wonderful video!!!!

From a friend who says this is why he loves GA! If anyone got a tear from the one I sent earlier, you better get out the kleenex giant size for this one. Tim

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The Long Journey Home

Georgia knows how to honor their fallen hero's!!

Video of Staff Sgt. Beale's Return Home

Killed in action the week before, the body of Staff 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. Please share widely.

http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

 

[jayne]

I am one of those people who very rarely cry. Watching this video, however, I had tears flowing the whole time. What an amazing display of respect and honor from the citizens of Georgia in honor of a fallen soldier.

 

[bluetaterbaby]

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. What a wonderful way of showing appreciation. Terrific video; touches the heart and soul. Words just can't adequately express my gratitude to each and every soldier who has served and those who continue to serve our country. God bless all.

Joan

 

[LittleRibbie]

Rest In Peace, John Beal. Thank you. Prayers to your family.

 

[hobbyhorse23]

The firetruck ladder arches, the old men saluting by their Harleys (you KNOW they served), the State Patrol at rigid attention saluting a fallen hero...yep. I cried. It seemed a little disrespectful to me for so many people in various uniforms to be standing at ease instead of at attention but maybe they relaxed after the actual hearse passed? It just seems like if he could give his life, they could stand a little discomfort in his honor.

I suppose no one teaches protocol for these things anymore. They came, they held flags, they honored him. It's the thought that counts.

He is one of MANY who sacrificed and I am grateful to all of them. God bless America!

Leia

 

[Miniv]

What is mind blowing to me is that this was a totally unplanned turn-out of honor and support.

And yes, it brought tears.......And yes, Gini, I will share this. Thank you.

 

[miniwhinny74]

Powerful video--I wept the entire time.

God bless John Beale and his family.

 

[Pepipony]

Leia , nope, protocol and manners are a thing of the past. Look how many men wear hats inside buildings. How many people think its fine to cuss in public. Even fewer people will open a door or ask a person in a wheelchair, whos looking at an item at a top shop, if they need help. I was at a play day years ago, and for the flag race they used an American flag. They wanted us to drop the flag as we left. GASP!!!! Check out how many stores, who hang the flag vertically, dont have it placed correctly. It can go on and on.

God Bless Beale and his family. And every serviceman/woman still out there, those to come and those that are passed.

 

[gimp]

As a Patriot Guard rider I have stood in too many flag lines for fallen heroes

I will say that each time there are folks that pull over and stand by their cars in a show of respect. While not the parade that this hero had, there are plenty who appreciate what the troops and their families are dealing with. God Bless ALL the families and all the troops. Rest in Peace, SSgt. Beale.