This is how all fallen soldiers should be returned home

[ctrlraven]

Very touching and truly amazing, this is no doubt how they should be returned home.

Video:
http://e.blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplayer.swf?file=http%3A%2F %2Fblip.tv%2Frss%2Fflash%2F225 7594%3Freferrer%3Dhtt

[Egon Spengler]

Very touching.... Didn't want to cry this morning though!!! THANKS ALOT!! haha

[Marauderman]

Amazing --Is a great showing--My sister sent that to me via e-mail yesterday--several minutes long but truly something--to which I agree---all should be that way---

[ctrlraven]

Very touching.... Didn't want to cry this morning though!!! THANKS ALOT!! haha
Glad I wasn't the only one lol. The pride and respect that the video shows is overwhelming.

[Egon Spengler]

You don't see too much respect now-a-days for anything... Seeing sights like that helps reassure that there is still some decency in this country! I have been to a few firefighter death processions and people lined the streets with american flags and people saluting as the truck carrying the casket in the back drives by is just too much for me. It is just so touching. Not watching it again, because it has been awhile since the last time I cried so I don't want to start again! haha

Glad I wasn't the only one lol. The pride and respect that the video shows is overwhelming.

[ImpalaSlayer]

amazing. all for one man. what a great city, does anyonee know where that was?

[Vortech347]

I can't watch, i'll ball.

I have alot of respect for our military/police folks in this country.

[ctrlraven]

amazing. all for one man. what a great city, does anyonee know where that was?

Started at Peachtree City's Falcon Field airport, then traveled along Hwy's 74, 85 and 54 through Fayette in Georgia.

[Dr Caleb]

We do that, every time. It's heartwarming.

When Soldiers return home from the 'Stan, dead or alive, the city pretty much shuts down while they pass by. They have to travel from the far South end, to the far North end to get back to the base. The entire route has yellow ribbons around every tree and light standard.

Last time it was during morning rush hour. And every car on the route pulled over and stopped to let them pass. Every fire truck and firefighter was on the street at 6am. The traffic helicopter crew actually cried on live TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spkpFiksJt0

[Glenn]

SSgt Beale was from Henry County, GA where I live. He was the first soldier to die in Afganistan from Henry County, GA. It was a tremendous turn out - just unbelievable.

Glenn

[SMOKE]

Watched the whole thing....don't think I'll be able to swallow for another hour....

Simply amazing (and shouldn't be...this should be norm....I'd do it)

Thanks

J

[Phrog_gunner]

For me its the simple thanks and show of appreciation from the avg American that makes all of our sacrifices worth while.

[LIGHTNIN1]

Like someone said, at least there is some decency left here.That's how it should be done.

[SC Cheesehead]

Very touching.... Didn't want to cry this morning though!!! THANKS ALOT!! haha


Glad I wasn't the only one lol. The pride and respect that the video shows is overwhelming.

I handled it pretty well until Taps started playing.

Like the banner in the video says, "Freedom isn't Free."

[Egon Spengler]

Being a firefighter and having a cousin in the army... our family was raised to be very patriotic... Both my grandfathers were in the Navy, one as a flight instructor going to to WW II and one on a ship that was struck and had to abandon... Freedom Definitely isn't free and my elders have taught me to respect our nation and the people protecting it... I just hope I never have to do this for any of my ff brothers or my cousin!!!

I handled it pretty well until Taps started playing.

Like the banner in the video says, "Freedom isn't Free."

[Bluerauder]

They must have advertised the funeral route pretty well to get that turnout. I was impressed with the sheer number of people who turned out, all the flags, and the people that actually saluted or placed their hand over their heart as the procession passed.

I have served as an OIC on countless funeral details, saluted the fallen during Echo Taps, folded flags and have presented flags "on behalf of a grateful nation" to many widows, parents and grieving siblings. It never gets easier.

[Embassy]

That puts everything in perspective.

[Marauder_Santa]

Wow!!!!!!!

[Hacklemerc]

I handled it pretty well until Taps started playing.

Like the banner in the video says, "Freedom isn't Free."

Same here. I fall apart everytime I hear Taps. I kept my bearing right until I heard the first note and then lost it.

Awesome show of respect for a fallen soldier.

When I came home from Iraq we recieved a Police/Fire escort all the way from the Airport in St. Louis, Mo to our Armoury in Sparta, IL about an hour away. Awesome stuff.

Hack

[Egon Spengler]

I always fall apart at taps as well at any firefighter funeral. My mom wanted to give my grandfather the funeral he deserved and they did the whole thing with the Navy guys at the cemetery and the folding of the flag and taps and everything! Just when I thought I couldn't cry anymore after the wake and the funeral... taps started and the Navy guys were standing across from us saluting him and I knew my grandfather was happy with that... I was controlling the tears until the Navy guys went up to my mother and aunt and presented them the flags... I lost it

I have served as an OIC on countless funeral details, saluted the fallen during Echo Taps, folded flags and have presented flags "on behalf of a grateful nation" to many widows, parents and grieving siblings. I never gets easier.

[SID210SA]

I couldnt help myself either....I had to stop it because I was watching it at work....Wen I got home I showed it to my family....it was very touching and I agree, that is the way it should always be when some one comes home to their final rest.

Mike

[Pat]

What a hearwarming show of support and love for an American soldier.

My family was at the send off of our local National Guard unit that paraded through out town in their vehicles going to the first Gulf War. My #1 son was among them. circa l990.

Now my #2 son will be deployed to Afghanistan in February. Same Guard unit.
circa 2009.

God bless them. watch over them and bring them home carrying their shield with honor.

[gonzo50]

"Wow" that was truly very touching, from the firetruck with the ladders raised and the U.S Flag flying high, to the giant billboard with the fallen Hero on it, to Taps at the end.
I choked up from start to finish, being a Veteran myself it hits home.

[Bluerauder]

Here's a little more of the story ..... >>>>> http://www.dod.state.ga.us/pages/3inafghanistan.html

Here a little different perspective on the issue .... JMHO ..... I suspect that SSG John C. Beale might just be a little embarrassed at the turnout and the flag waving and wonder just what all the fuss was about. He might say that "I was just doing my job". Ain't nothing particularly heroic in being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The heroic part is getting up every day and going out to face a hidden and cowardly enemy that strikes indiscriminately against soldiers and civilians, men, women and children. Soldiers, sailors and marines are dying every day in Iraq and in Afghanistan from increased IED attacks and are coming home through Dover, DE with little fanfare. Parades are nice. Flags are nice. However, it is a dayum shame that it takes a very visible funeral procession to call attention to the problem.

For nearly 10 years, the US Armed Services have been on a very high operational tempo with units rotating into Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and other locations with increasing frequency. Some of these guys are already on their 3rd, 4th, or 5th rotation. With every rotation, their exposure to danger continues to mount and the odds of coming home in one piece are decreased. The United States is using up its greatest resource in the human capital that makes up its service men and women. This rotational tempo is placing a continuing strain on our forces and on their families who have only seen their husband or father for about 24 months out of the past 5 years. The US National Guard (Beale's unit) and the US Army Reserve are bearing more and more of the burden of offsetting the strain on active forces. Basically, the US wants the discount "el cheapo" version of National Defense.

To do the job right, the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard need more force structure .... i.e. more manpower to meet the current committments around the world. We can't continue to support every conflict and hot spot indefinitely without an increase in the number of people willing to go in harm's way at the behest of the civilian leadership. The other alternative is to back off on the number and scope of committments. You can't have it both ways. Moreover, you can't win with a discount team on a shoestring budget.

So wave the flag, attend the parades, and occasionally shed a tear for the fallen soldiers and marines and others. But also encourage your Congressional Representatives and Senators and everyone else to support efforts to resource the Defense Department to do the job right. I have my own thoughts on where that money might come from .... but that is for a different day. And, if the urge strikes .... sign on up to be one of these folks on the front line of Freedom.

Sorry for the rant ... just MHO. :soapbox: