For whatever reason, it doesn’t feel like we are at
war. There’s just not a day-to-day “wartime” feeling.”
But, we are at war.
And while we’re all beginning to soak in the
beautifulness of summer, it’s a very different world over in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Over there, we’re definitely at war.
Each month, those young soldiers are sending home a
few dozen of their friends. Many of these fallen soldiers are just a
few years from being called kids.
Instead of some drawn out piece emphasizing the
importance of doing everything we can for the families of returning
soldiers, we just ask that you watch a simple video.
On June 11, 2009 the body of Staff Sergeant John
Beale came home to America. He was flown into Falcon Field in Peachtree
City, Georgia. Waiting for him was a precession made up of dozens and
dozens of vehicles including police cars, military vehicles, and, of
course, family. Staff Sgt. Beale was taken from the airport to his
hometown of McDonough, Georgia. The
local police departments went above and beyond (we've seen several
different videos of this precession) to be there for Staff Sergeant
Beale and his family.
But it wasn’t the help of the police that made this
story so special.
A simple notice was published in the local paper
indicating the time and route of the precession.
That’s all it took.
The video you are about to see was shot from inside
of one of the police cars in the precession. In this video you will
bear witness to an incredible and massive and bold statement of
kindness, love, and support. These thousands and thousands of people
came out for one man.
In our job it’s easy to lose sight of goodness.
This video will make you remember.
I guess this editorial is not so much law
enforcement as it is fallen soldier. After seeing this
video, though, something had to be written.
So, if your agency or your squad gets a call asking
for help with a detail involving a fallen soldier think of that day in
June, and give them everything you can.
It’s the least we can do.
Click here to view the video.
Saw a similar precession in Yarmouth
Massachusetts this past week for Nicholas Xiarhos the son of a Yarmouth
PD LT who was serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. My thoughts and
prayers go out to Lt. Steven Xiarhos and all of the Xiarhos family.
Thank You for your service Nicholas.
-RPD-NJ 61
I am elated to see what was done for this
HERO, Sgt Beale. This practice needs to be done throughout the country,
not only for the ultimate sacrifice which Sgt Beale made, along with
the many other American soldiers, but to bring awareness to young
Americans who are not aware of what has taken place since 911 with NO
realistic end in sight. I firmly believe that all newspapers should give
these heroes a line or two to let US know when our heroes are arriving
home like Sgt. Beal
-ALbert
-Retired Philadelphia Police Officer
Very moving, my heart goes out to the Beale
Family, may your son now rest in peace. God Bless*
God bless the Beale's family, God bless the
USA
I had a hard time keeping the tears back. I
really don't know why this video showing its love to one of its own that
died for its country isn't national news. Amazing video and I will try
to find a way to save it so I can show my boys later.
-Mike D.
-Nacogdoches Tx
Thank you SSGT Beale for your sacrifice for
America. May God Bless all who are fighting for the freedoms of this
wonderful country. I'm finding it difficult to stop my tears. What a
deserving tribute to a hero.
Its heartwarming to see Americans being
American. God Bless Us All.
-EJ-Fla.
R.I.P. SSGT. Beale you have served well and
with GREAT Honor. We will finish the job Brother. I am very proud to see
people show that level of respect they showed. My thanks to the
Police and Fire for their respects as well. I was very moved by the
raised ladders, and I know that is very symbolic for honoring Firemen.
So again Thanks and my Prayers are with the Beale Family.
RIP brother!!!!
"Nam Myho Renge Kyo". (Justice with peace).
God Bless the Beales family and God bless America. For our freedom you
fought, for our lives that you protected. My gratitude, respect and
honor stands with our troops and the foundations for what America stands
for. This video made me cry the entire 12 minutes. God Bless You.
This should be seen by everyone, very moving.
RIP brother.
What a sacrifice SSGT Beale and his family has
made for our freedom. From the Battlefield Frontline to the red white
and blue draped finish line, may you now Rest In Peace dear
soldier......... -DLW NJ
Truly amazing video. How patriotic
Georgia and it's residents our to a "TRUE AMERICAN HERO". Hopefully
other states in AMERICA won't turn a blind eye and continue to RESPECT
and HONOR our soldiers and there family as did Georgia. God Bless the
military..
To the Beale Family I hope you were Honored
just like I was of the send off your family member was given. "God
Speed"
Chris Former US Coast Guard
New Jersey
What a tearjerker, it's awesome to see that
there are still people out there who appreciate the sacrifices our brave
men and women make everyday in the armed forces. We should all be proud
of their service, political differences aside.
R.I.P. SSgt Beale
This was an amazing display of the best
America has to offer. An honor to watch.
God bless all my brothers near and far, thank
god for them and the job they do, without them the things we do will
never be possible. Thank you and your families, may god walk with them
all.
OH My that was the most heart wrenching video
I ever watched!! What an honor to that Sgt-its things like this that
make you hope he is looking down at the people that are grateful for his
HUGE sacrifice!!
-Jan from Westfield N.Y.
Awesome Video
They are more patriotic in Georgia than they are in New Jersey.
Words cannot say anything, The video says it
all.
God Bless America
Man couldn't hold back tears. Rest in peace
Brother.
Wow! This is what the media should be
reporting on: the love and support Americans have for their fallen
soldiers. The love for their brothers and sisters and their families
who sacrifice for our freedom. Forget "Wacko Jacko". SSGT Beale was a
real American. May God bless everyone who took the time out of their
busy lives to pay tribute to SSGT Beale.
Very moving. Holding back tears the entire
video.
Rest In Peace SSGT Beale
Great Video! Thank you Staff Sergeant Beale
for the sacrifice you made! God Bless his family.
It goes to show you the difference between
different parts of the country! I participated in the traffic detail
like this in New Jersey and people were more annoyed because we were
blocking traffic than anything else!
God Bless SSgt Beale and his family! Thank
you for your sacrifice so that we have the right to be annoyed!
What a tremendous statement by the people of
Georgia. God bless the family of Staff Sergeant Beale.
