In Remembrance... Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes
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I am at a loss for words as how to go about writing this post. I am very patriotic and emotional when it comes to our Country, our Freedoms, and the men and women who willingly give their lives to protect us. Not since Vietnam has there been a draft. This means every soldier has willingly volunteered to give their life.
On Wednesday, a young Marine was brought home after being killed in Afghanistan. The entire South Carolina Upstate turned out to pay respects to this young man. The overpasses and service roads were lined with men and women bearing flags and flowers. It was a very emotional experience for me. Fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and ordinary citizens. I was touched!
He was to be flown into Greenville, South Carolina, and then transported back to his hometown of Gaffney. I just happened to be driving south towards Greenville, when I noticed the procession heading towards me. It was amazing. There had to be over a hundred law enforcement vehicles alone, much less, all the others involved. I wanted to pull over to the shoulder and say a prayer and offer my gratitude to this man. I am forever indebted.
I noticed the cars on either side of me wanting to stop as well. So that is when we made a unanimous unspoken decision to do what is right. The five cars surrounding me, as well as myself slow to a stop with headlights on, and waited for the procession to pass. Me, with tears in my eyes!! This man gave his life for ME.. My freedoms, and did not even know me. He gave his life for everyone of us, regardless of our beliefs concerning this war! He is my hero!!
I felt so proud to be a part of this, to be able to say a silent Thank You! I know there are many others who have given their lives and I wish to Thank each and every family who supported the decision of a loved one, to fight for this Country.
However, I am also angry. I am very angry and outraged even at the attitudes of some of those around me. Truck drivers, in particular!! Over the airwaves, the CB radio came alive with complaints of traffic delays. Arguing and cursing. It was just unreal. What is wrong with these people. When we stopped traffic, the drivers around me were screaming obscenities and blowing the horn. The lady in the Schneider truck beside me was actually shooting me the bird and yelling at me to move!! I have never wanted to slap someone so hard in my life.
So yes, I am very proud to have shut down the interstate. You idiots will give me my moment to say Thanks... I know, every thing is about you, but this man gave his life for you, TOO. The least you could have done was give him less than a minute of your time without complaining..I don't understand what is wrong with people today.
10 comments:
Great post, Lil Trucker. It's always a little sad, and maddening, to see the reactions of those who just don't get it or care.
Glad to have you back and safe. Take care out there!
The Kid
We need to start a group just like the bikers did except to encourage respect on the highway.
It's really upsetting when some people do that; there's over thousands of men and women in the armed forces that are protecting our freedom and when they're life is taken in time of war, there's people that will pay their respects for the soldier and a few others who don't give a damn.
There was a movie based on a true story with Kevin Bacon called "Taking Chance". It's about a USMC Lt. Colonel who escorts a fallen Marine's body home to his hometown in Wyoming. Along the way from D.C. to Wyoming, strangers from all walks of life pay tribute and respect to the soldier they've never met. One part of the movie has a vehicle procession of trucks and cars with their headlights on escorting the SUV with the the fallen Marine's casket. Towards the end, the Colonel tells the family how many people were moved by his courage, spirit, and memory.
I have a cousin in the Marines who has a tour to Iraq coming soon He's leaving his kids with my aunt and uncle, so I'm praying he comes back home safe, too.
We have talked about how people suck before. No one has Graditude anymore.
Ummmmmmmm Terry ..... don't you ever do that to me again, girl, without warning.
I just sat here with tears in my eyes, reading that post.
You, more than most, know that I am a hard man. I try to keep my emotions pretty controlled at all times. Hell, I don't even go off tap very often about traffic etc.
In fact, I don't think you've heard me raise my voice. I just don't allow emotion. So what did you do? Had me crying like a baby.
Thank you, Little one, for sharing that .... just warn me next time, huh?
You did right...
It must have been a beautiful sight to behold. Everyone coming to the side of one person. In my travels, my timing hasn't been so lucky. It pleases me to hear you stopped traffic for it, Very Cool! Sadly, you are right about how selfish some folks can be.
However, we must not forget those who are coming home by their own power and are struggling with hidden scares, like PTSD. I have few words on how to express their struggles other then do research on this issue to learn how to help those around us better. Understanding, not pity is what they wish for.
Hugs
I have to correct something; my cousin is a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army (My apologies) and is deploying on a six-month tour to Iraq on Sept. 20th. I wish him a safe journey over there and prays he returns home safe.
Thank you Terry for sharing this blog and not forgetting the ones who sacrifice their lives for ours and welcoming home the others to our families and friends.
I live about 2 hrs from Greenville and we get CBS and NBC from there. It was all over the local news and the Reporter (a man) covering the story could hardly get through it without shedding a tear. He said it was the most unbelievable sight..Thanks for sharing Terry
Saw a news item about this today. It seems that the town put flags all over the place for his funeral processon. The Bank of America...of all people...wouldn't let them put the AMERICAN FLAG on their property(by the road) because it might offend someone. People have pulled their money out of that bank and they should.
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