Friday, October 5, 2007

God Bless the USA

This post is week old news but still important to me.
On September 21, 2007, Joshua Jackson Reeves was born. His mother, Leslie Reeves, phoned her husband, Josh, in Iraq to tell him the happy news. Spc. Joshua H. Reeves was able to hear his son cry before the phone call ended.


The funeral was last Saturday and I thought I'd be fine. I had only talked with Josh once at a Christmas party last year. His parents and siblings go to church with my family though, so I wanted to support them.

I had a hard time. The community support was unbelievable. On the way to the funeral, hundreds of people lined up on the side of the road with hands over their hearts and flags waving. The Patriot Guard Riders, a group of bikers who attend funerals of fallen soldiers, stood at attention with flags to form a walkway to the chapel. After the hour long service was an hour, and I don't think there was a set of dry eyes, we drove to the cemetery. Again, hundreds of people who had never met Josh lined the street to show support. The ceremony was completed with the presentation of flags, a trumpeter playing "Taps", and 21 gun salute.


At some point last Saturday, I realized just how fortunate I am to live in the United States. This blog isn't about my views on the war, the government, or choices made but a sincere thanks to all those who serve on my behalf. Thank you.

God Bless You. God Bless America.

9 comments:

Charlotte said...

Charlotte, I am sorry. Sorry that a good man is dead and sorry that his family and community have to mourn him. I can understand that the spirit of his memorial was inspiring and moving.

ME said...

Wow, I am so sorry. I can't even imagine. Very moving post.

Amen! God bless America and those who serve.

the MILKY way (Chrissy) said...

Powerful.

TUG said...

Well said.

Charis said...

Hi - You don't know me but I am in your parents ward. I also know the Buntings (which I see you do too :-) that is how I found your blog. I've taken parts of your post about Josh Reeves and added it to my blog as well. I hope that is okay. I just thought I'd let you know in case you came across my blog and thought the post looked VERY familiar :-)

Jenn said...

Lest we not forget....thank you.

Charles said...

AMEN!! I wish everyone would recognize what they did, do and will do for us. We are blessed to have so many who voluntarily serve and sacrifice.

poefusion said...

I came from 3WW to say I really enjoyed your post over there but, this post stands at the forefront and I can't begin to say how sorry I am for the loss of this fine young man. Please let the family know that I am thinking of them. I wish so much these families wouldn't have to endure such tragedy.

Again, I am sorry.
Michelle

Charlotta-love said...

Charlotte: thank you. (especially since you are overseas)

Craze, Chrissy, Thom, Emma, Charles, Michelle: thanks for your words.

Charis: your post was wonderful too!