We can't all be HEROES......

Update below in red
Yesterday was an awesome and amazing day for me. It was an experience I will NEVER forget and I hope it will be the same for my girls. I have to share a small part of our experience.




My girls and I were part of a much larger group that lined the streets for a young man most of us never knew. We went to honor Cpl Jaron Holliday & his family. My heart was touched by all the Mom's & children and especially the Dad's that came to this event.

(Notice this darling little girls shirt.)

We had to stand around for a long time waiting. It was over 100 degrees so it was pretty rough. However, it was hard to complain too much realizing that the young man were were honoring & many others had to endure these temperatures (and worse) in Iraq.

Before the procession came along we were just standing (or sitting) on the side of the street waiting. As we stood there people would often honk at us. I know most of them were not really sure of what we were doing. We even had a few people stop to ask us what was going on. However, seeing a group of people (with many children) standing around in red,white, & blue holding flags you can't help but be curious.



We had been warned that there may be protesters. I had talked to the children & we were prepared. Thank God we didn't see any and my friend that attended the funeral told me they were not there.

Finally, we got word that "they are coming". I was excited and eagerly looking down the road.

First, we saw the policemen on motorcycles.

Following them was the Patriot Guard.
If you don't know who these people are I encourage you to find out by clicking on the link above. I was so impressed by them.

Don't be surprised if you see that I have a motorcycle in the future so I can join them!

The second they appeared I began to cry. I couldn't stop. It was intensified when a woman (most likely Jaron's Mother) hung out the window crying THANK YOU!!

(You are so welcome-dear Mother!)

Many people in the cars were waving at us & smiling. One woman leaned out the window and just kept repeating, "precious....precious.....precious". The waves, the faces, and the words are still in my heart and mind. We found out later that the other street they were (before they got to us) was filled with people. We were there just about at the end of the their procession. We had no idea how many others had come but hoped it would be a lot. I was delighted to hear that there was such a good turn out for them.

They must have been looking at people all the way from the funeral home to the cemetery and I am SO honored to have been one of them.

Our hearts swelled with pride as we stood there holding our flags high for the family.

Here is a link to the Patriot Guard Riders website with comments about this event and condolences to the family. I hope you will at least glance at it.

While there I found my new favorite quote.
"We can't all be HEROES because someone has to stand on the sides and salute as they go by!"

Our local TV station had this article

and a few pictures.


(A lovely lady even brought balloons.)

(Afterwards Catrina noticed them flying away.)

If you are ever driving around and see a group of people standing beside the road with flags you will know what is going on. Feel free to give them an encouraging honk. They like that.

I will be tempted to get out and join them.

Thank you Jaron & Jaron's family for the sacrifices you have made for all of us. Although we have never met Jaron he will not be forgotten.

Here is a link regarding the funeral. It looks like it was a beautiful tribute.

Below are a couple of new pictures I found.

The father is in white and the mother has the hat on with the jacket.

Click here to see a short video on our news.