05/09/2024
This post is not about attention, it's about respect;
Yesterday while traveling on I-40 in Knoxville TN, my wife spotted a white hearse traveling alone. A gun metal grey casket draped by a vibrant American flag caught her eye through the back window as cars flew by all around us.
My wife described to me what was in front of us and already knew what the next step was before it even came out of my mouth. After 15 years of marriage to a veteran and raising three patriotic kids, she knew to follow the hearse. It's destination was the local veterans cemetery where the following took place.
This is what my country taught me and those who know my family will tell you my family won't look the other way when they see a veteran. We couldn't bare the thought of this veteran being laid to rest without "family". As a proud member of the honor guard back in 2002-2004 I knew how to send this veteran "home", I personally know what the cost of keeping America safe really is.
I have laid rows of veterans of this country to rest, volleyed many "21 gun salutes" and physically knelt down on a knee to present a perfectly folded American flag to a next of Kin. It will change you, ask anyone who has done it. If nothing else it will teach you respect for the flag and those who have defended it. I am not a perfect man but this is one thing I am proud of teaching my kids.
FACT - Only 1% of the American population raises their hand and swears to defend this country. Teach your kids to go up to that veteran proudly wearing their hat in public, look them in the eye, shake their hand and say thank you. These are the proud men and women that put it all on the line everyday so that your family can sleep at night without worrying about if your going to be awaken by air raid sirens, bombs and gunfire outside your home. They deserve 10 secs of your time, slow down and teach your kids that much.
To this nameless veteran and family, thank you for your service. Rest easy, we have it from here
The Farley Family