I was one of many
I hope most of you have heard about the funeral for Air Force Veteran Joseph Walker. I was in the crowd.
My decision was made on Saturday when I saw a headline:
This wasn't the first time I'd read such a story, it always breaks my heart. I'd never been close enough to attend a funeral for a veteran I didn't know. I had no idea how many others would be there until I was almost at the cemetery.
The line of cars was a mile long, no I'm not kidding. I waited in line and not a single car exited the line. We all waited our turn to enter and pay our respects. There was even a van from the local veterans retirement home. I was in awe of the display of vehicles. I looked across the cemetery and all of the roads had vehicles parked along the sides.
I enjoyed the outpouring of support for Joseph Walker.
A thought crossed my mind as the lines of cars poured out onto the interstate.
Why wait until they are dead to show our respect?
The answer is we shouldn't.
I'm part of several groups that support member of the US Armed forces, active, retired, etc. We send cards and letters. I think I'll be paying that veterans retirement home a visit and see if I can make a few new friends.
I know my wheels will fit right in.
I really appreciated the article on the Veteran who had no family. I have attended these before as a Patriot Guard. 🙁 They always sadden me. I wish I could have known them before…….Why can’t people who care so much that they show up at a funeral not take a little time and visit the Veteran Homes? No Soldier should walk alone and all should be given support until they return home! As the old saying goes, “no (wo)man left behind” when it comes to our Soldiers. Do we not leave our Military behind when we fail to seek them out when they are injured or old and need us even more, perhaps? I would say very likely indeed that they do! My DREAM is that someday there will never be a Veteran without a FRIEND! With the Veteran organizations networking together, could not all of us find a way that EVERY Veteran’s Home is visited regularly? This is my Dream…….That no VETERAN ever live their last days or die alone! Of all people, our Veterans deserve our support during the days of their lives when they need us most! Thanks and with love,