I know I pick, pick, pick.....the news reporterette, Tiffany, just reported that "the roads are lined with people of all ages, with American flags in many of their hands....." Does anyone see the problem with that declaration? Or am I being petty.....If you do not see the problem with the sentence, I will tell you in the Comments.
Here is a lady, holding balloons, standing with us. As she drove into the parking lot where we set up, she shouted from her truck window to save her a place. And I did!! See my beach chair sitting there? I did not even use it, felt better standing up than sitting around, so many people to talk to and such...
The streets ARE lined with people of all ages and colors, the side streets being blocked by fire trucks and rescue vehicles, in salute to the fallen soldier. While not all the fallen are recognized in such a fashion, they should be, this man has strong local ties, having gone to high school here, worshiped, taught Sunday school, and served his country to the fullest measure from Cecil Field, the only airman lost that first night of the Gulf War.
Judy is shown here holding her special flag which represents every branch of the services. The woman behind the one wearing the purple dress is a short-timer, only has two weeks left of her Naval career, as she is retiring after 20 years of service. I could not believe she was old enough to have served that long! When we parted company after the procession passed, I thanked her for her service and she thanked me back for acknowledging it.
Here passes the hearse carrying the remains of Scott Speicher, and was followed by another large car with his family members in it. His wife has since remarried and has more children, as the years left so many unanswered questions as to Scott's status. He went from missing in action to being declared dead and back to missing in action.....I am not a big proponent of "closure" but at least this gives the community a chance to rally FOR someone than AGAINST something!
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Judy was leaving my house and heading over to church to stand with the preschool kids to salute once more as the procession passed Good Shepherd on its way to Jacksonville Memory Gardens. Tara asked me if I was going over to the Gardens but I am not, not today.....
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While waiting for the procession on Roosevelt, Justin and Judy went to Panera to get our breakfast. There was no need for soda as I had a cooler along but he brought me back a cherry Danish. Judy got an iced coffee and quiche to eat. We met such nice ladies who asked if they could stand with us: Karen, Tina and Crystal, none of whom knew each other before. I introduced them as they joined the group, and Tina said, "Wow, you are good! You should be a party planner!" Laughingly, I told her I was, and then Justin threw in, that sassy sassy boy, "She is a community organizer...."
