Subject: Soldiers' Funeral (Texas Style)

Courtesy of Richard Johnson & Ray Wallace

There's something to be said for being raised in a small town.

What follows is a message from Vicki Pierce about her nephew James' funeral (he was serving our country in Iraq):

"I'm back, it was certainly a quick trip, but I have to also say it was one of the most
amazing experiences of my life. There is a lot to be said for growing up in a small town
in Texas. The service itself was impressive with wonderful flowers and sprays, a portrait
of James, his uniform and boots, his awards and ribbons. There was lots of military brass
and an eloquent Baptist preacher. There were easily 1000 people at the service, filling the
church sanctuary as well as the fellowship hall and spilling out into the parking lot.

However, the most incredible thing was what happened following the service on the way to
the cemetery. We went to our cars and drove to the cemetery escorted by at least 10 police
cars with lights flashing and some other emergency vehicles, with Texas Rangers handling
traffic. Everyone on the road who was not in the procession, pulled over, got out of their
cars, and stood silently and respectfully, some put their hands over their hearts.

When we turned off the highway suddenly there were teenage boys along both sides of the
street about every 20 feet or so, all holding large American flags on long flag poles, and
again with their hands on their hearts. We thought at first it was the Boy Scouts or 4H
club or something, but it continued .... for two and a half miles. Hundreds of young people,
standing silently on the side of the road with flags. At one point we passed an elementary
school, and all the children were outside, shoulder to shoulder holding flags . kindergartners,
handicapped, teachers, staff, everyone. Some held signs of love and support. Then came teenage
girls and younger boys, all holding flags. Then adults. Then families. All standing silently
on the side of the road. No one spoke, not even the very young children.

The military presence..at least two generals, a fist full of colonels, and representatives
from every branch of the service, plus the color guard which attended James, and some who
served with him ... was very impressive and respectful, but the love and pride from this
community who had lost one of their own was the most amazing thing I've ever been privileged
to witness.

I've attached some pictures, some are blurry (we were moving), but you can get a small idea
of what this was like. Thanks so much for all the prayers and support."

Subject: They Need Our Prayers

Prayer chain for our Military ... please don't break it.

Please send this on after a short prayer.

Prayer for our Soldiers ...please don't break it

Prayer:

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them
and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask
this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our
troops around the world. There is nothing attached. Just send this LINK to all the people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you, please!!!

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine and others deployed
in harm's way, Prayer is the very best one!!