Friday, June 12, 2009

A Hero's Salute




Last week in Afghanistan 3 Army Soldiers from Georgia were killed. One of them from Henry County. This is the first person to give the ultimate sacrifice from Henry County. Sgt. Beale was flown back to Georgia last night. His family picked him up in Fayette County and from there drove through Clayton County and then home here in Henry County. There was a helicopter escort along with lots of motorcycles and police cars. Along the 20 mile route from the airfield where he landed to the funeral home about 2 miles from our house the streets were lined with grateful Americans to welcome him home.

People started lining up more that an hour before Sgt. Beale's hurst drove by. One of the neighbors, Kameryn came with us. At first I didn't know if I should tell Ben and Madi about someone getting killed in action with their own dad serving in Iraq right now. I did and I am glad they wanted to go support this other family that has lost so much.




I am amazed at this picture.



9 comments:

Amber M. said...

Jeni...I heard that this week was terrible as far as violence in Afghanistan. That sure hits close to home!! You are a good mom for helping your kids be a part of the gratitude, even if it is hard. They will learn to be even more grateful for their country by watching YOU!

Loves to you.

Shell in your Pocket said...

Thanks for sharing.
sandy toe

Brittany said...

I love the support that people show for our soldiers. They deserve so much more than we could ever, ever show them, but it makes my heart so proud to see Americans support those that are sacrificing so much, and in this case, the ultimate sacrifice. Every day at the airport in Dallas, TX people gather to welcome soldiers home. I have wanted to do this for years and would love to take my little one when he gets a little older and can understand.

Thank you for your prayers for my family. We are definitely needing them right now. And yes, Betsy baked all of that wonderful stuff for my little guy. She is a great friend!

Kelly said...

Glad I found your blog. I think we live in the same town. I was very touched by all the kindness shown for Sergeant Beale with the flags and messages on the signs at local businesses. It was nice to see that Henry County, even though it has grown so much, still has a bit of small town touch.

Shannon said...

Wow. I love the support that was shown to our soldiers. I am so thankful for all of them! Thank you for sharing...I'll be keeping these families in my prayers.

Our Complete Family said...

It is such a tragic thing, isn't it? When Jas was in HQ here and overseas he would tell me each time he had to plan a mission for a soldier coming home for the final time. It always, always, always makes me cry.
I'm glad you took the kids to show their support. It is a hard thing, but at the same time a good thing to do.
Love ya, L

Lighting said...

I think it is awesome that we apprecitate the soldiers that have died for us. We should also give thanks to the ones still serving.

Our Complete Family said...

P.S.
The new header looks adorable for this patriotic season Jeni!

Jody said...

thank you for going and showing your support for that family. we lost a soldier about 3 years ago. our small town rallied together. he returned home at 11 o'clock at night (it was supposed to have been 9 but there was delays). we have 2000 people in our town but there were thousands more lining the streets...we were there for about 2 hours and it was storming for most of it. after the motorcade passed by, people just didn't seem to know what to do...so everyone just started filing in behind and walked down main street with our candles and flags to the funeral home. it was truly one of the most memorable moments of my life and i know it meant so much to his family