I stood in the middle of the street with hundreds of others. Some of the faces, I knew. Most, I did not.
We were waiting for a soldier to return home.
The crowd was talking, murmuring amongst themselves.
Many had been there waiting for a very long time. Others left work as permitted to join the community gathered.
The faces around me were so varied, so different, and yet….familiar. You could see the purpose on everyone’s faces. Though there were some smiles, they were smiles of hello towards a friendly face, a familiar face, or strangers.
Flags were everywhere.
Such respect and dignity from everyone, towards everyone.
Then, a great hush fell on all of the people.
And he returned to his hometown.
I didn’t know him, I had never met him, or his family.
But as motorcycles with grim faced officers led the way we all knew who he was and why we were standing there in respect and grief.
Veteran’s Motorcycle Honor Guards with somber knowledge that it could have been any one of them came by the hundreds.
The only sound I could hear, even over the roar of the motorcycles, was the crying of the people.
The sober and mournful wave washed over us, through us, each and every one.
We stood as still as possible, as he passed us in his flag covered casket.
It seems so little, this grief I carry for him and his family, for the return that he paid. I am grateful for his service. I am humbled by his sacrifice. I feel guilty for the price he paid.
The hush remained as he passed us. Each of us waiting until the last vehicle of the procession passed.
Quietly, we dispersed, to the world he has left behind.
He is home.
U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Collette
Killed in action on March 21 in Afghanistan,
Along with Sgt. 1st Class Will D. Lindsay, 33, of Cortez, Colorado
©
Oh my goodness, Colleen. Was this procession in your hometown? I feel the sadness and grief. Thank you so much for sharing. I can remember their families in my prayers.
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This was in my town Debra. It was such a gathering of respect, sympathy and sorrow for him and his family. Thank you for remembering them in your prayers as well.
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Oh, so heartbreaking.
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So very, Cindy.
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Such a terrible tragedy. Every one of our soldiers is precious. What a somber and honoring procession you were a part of.
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It felt like such an honor, and yet of course, not nearly enough.
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RIP from my mind, heart and soul.
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Thank you MBM.
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So powerfully and tenderly written. My heart goes out to their family and friends!
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So kind of you, thank you.
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You are very welcome!!
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So sad, these men and women that end up giving their lives. I am so sorry about your friend, Colleen. I live about 60 miles from Cortez, Colorado.
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Thank you Priceless. I didn’t know you lived there PRiceless, I have read about Sgt. 1st Class Lindsay as well. I hope all families have this kind of support. And I’m so sad that they need it.
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❤️
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❤
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so sad – so glad you honored him with your time and reverance ❤
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Thank you Jodi. The smallness of each of us added up to a tremendous support for him and his family.
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Colleen, thank you for writing this. It is so sad that we are still killing each other and yet I respect the sacrifice that others have made and continue to make in service to our country. You shared from the heart, as always.
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Thank you Ali. This was literally written in my head as I stood there and that ‘hush’ swept silently but powerfully through all of those people. I was overwhelmed but our connectedness and gathered sorrow.
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A soldier funeral. Break your heart. I went to good friends funeral. They had kids. You won’t forget these sad days. All we can do. Pray for the poor family who lost everything.
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So many prayers John. The emotion from everyone was so real, so powerful. So sad.
I’m sorry for your losses John, I respect how you honor your friends.
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I try. No winners in war. I appreciate the kind words.
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None at all. And you are welcome.
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Wow. And that’s so nice that so many people came, knowing him or not. Wow.
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It was amazing. And so very horribly sad.
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😦
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