Today, just as I was waking up, my mom ran into my room, telling me to hurry up and get dressed. I didn't know what was going on, but I did as she said, and fifteen minutes later hopped into the truck with my sister and took off.
We only drove a few minutes before she pulled into a restaurant parking lot and cut the engine. She jumped out and took the American flag off of the tailgate and we waked up to a small crowd on the sidewalk - all of them carrying American flags in various sizes. They gave me one and there we stood.
After a half an hour of standing in the heat, the traffic suddenly cleared on one side of the median. A few cop cars passed, and then a few motorcycles passed. A few minutes later, more officers passed in different vehicles, lights flashing, some sirens blaring.
When the vehicle carrying the casket passed, every American flag in hand rose to the sky in respect to the fallen soldier returning home. SSgt. Matthew Sitton (Army Ranger sniper) died at age 26 after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. His family passed after him, windows rolled down with tears in their eyes at the silent support from numerous strangers. I found myself misty-eyed at the sobering sight.
It was amazing to see so much support from American citizens to our troops. Whether in the form of following on a motorcycle or raising the flag as they passed, there was no doubt that they had support. They were assured that their son or husband or brother had not died in vain.
No matter where you are from, or what country you reside, everyone can relate to something like this. Giving your country support happens all over the world.
I hope that everyone who reads this gains...something. Anything. Maybe you will get a flutter in your chest, maybe you will find a deeper meaning only you understand. Whatever it may be, I hope that after reading this, you have gained something you didn't have before.
God bless my troops.
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