Chris was a 26-year-old member of the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.
He, along with Sarina Butcher, 19, of Checotah, Oklahoma were killed on November 1 in Afghanistan’s Paktia Province when a bomb went off near their military vehicle.
AD and I were proud to be among hundreds of people who stood along the funeral procession route from Bartlesville to Ochelata to show our gratitude to and our respect for Chris and his family.
I couldn't begin to count the number of vehicles that passed by honking, waving and giving a big thumbs-up. It was a very emotional time and one I won't soon forget.
At this time of year especially, I would ask that you pray for those who serve in our military and their families. And if you happen to see someone in uniform while you're out and about, thank them for their service.
Im glad you attended the service.
ReplyDeleteMatter of fact, I just thanked a vet today on my lunch hour!
God Bless our service people.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. Heroes, one and all.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great you were part of those honoring Sgt. Gailey. We have lost so many from the 45th. Very sad. I thank God for their service.
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Carol
Good for you for going out of your way to honor Sgt. Gailey.
ReplyDeleteI just can't imagine losing a child or grandchild in such a way. It's heartbreaking! Our servicemen and women are my heros and are in my prayers daily.
ReplyDeleteToday I have invited the God I love to explain WHY so many tears and lost lives are necessary...
ReplyDeletePrayers going up for the family of these BRAVE soldiers...
xoRebecca
Thank you so much for your support to our fallen heroes and their families. As a military mother-in-law, this means the world to each of us. Our prayers are with the families of Sgt Gailey & Ms. Butcher.
ReplyDeletevery nice tribute...praying peace for their families!
ReplyDeletemountain mama
I am in Ontario and live along highway 401. Everytime one of our soldiers is killed they take the route now called the highway of heroes. Along this route people stand on the over passes to tribute them. It is something I feel every canada should witness once, although I realize it isn't possible. It brings tears to my eyes to see them out there with flags, some hours before the repatriation begins.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being there. We also say thanks to the Patriot Guard for protecting the family members from the misquided protesters.
ReplyDeleteTwisted, The Patriot Guard was just amazing! One of those riders is a friend of mine from high school.
ReplyDeleteYogi, It's the very least we could do.
Our family did the same thing when a fallen soldier came home. It was so touching to see the long lines of people along the side of the road holding up their American flags..and like you, it's something I won't ever forget!
ReplyDeleteWe should never forget our brave guys and girls fighting overseas to protect our freedom granny, well done for getting out there and paying your respects. My cousin Gary was a medic in the Royal Regiment of Scotland and was blown up by an IED in 2008, fortunately he lived but has undergone several operations to remove shrapnel from his body. All he wants to do is get back to Afghanistan with his mates but he is now deemed unfit for combat. He has the heart of a lion and my hero.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with all the troops overseas preserving our freedom, we don't realise just how lucky we are to have them.
Beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a beautiful post. I do pray for our soldiers and their families, America and our future. There are two military basis in my county, Air Force and Navy as well as a small Coast Guard base attached to the Navy Base. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThis post just gives me chills.
ReplyDeleteI have been a part of soldiers leaving to war but never a part of such YOUNG HEROES giving their life for this country and have vile protesters trying to ruin a sacred, holy tribute to their precious loved one...they may be a soldier but to their parents...it was still their child and will always be.
GOD BLESS THE PATRIOT GUARD...What an honor to have them protect this fallen soldier.
I pray fervently for our military.
AWESOME POST
Beautiful tribute!
ReplyDeleteI recently witnessed a young man thank a vietnam veteran for his service. No particular reason. The man stated he was a veteran and as soon as that left his lips the young man thanked him. Touched my heart.
We've lost so many men and women. How wonderful that you were able to be there and show your support and respect.
ReplyDelete