Just a few pictures in honor of a hero

[spinetnglr]

I was deeply moved yesterday by the scene pictured below. My son snapped the pictures from the back seat of my car as we were driving from the funeral home to the site of my nephew's service, The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. We passed three schools on the route and at all three the children were lined up with flags, hands over their hearts, to see a true fallen hero pass by. It was a very difficult day, but up lifting at the same time to see so many people, not just the children, along the 8 mile route, standing quietly with flags or saluting or crying, in the bitter cold wind to pay their respects to my nephew on his final journey. Everyone from the state police troopers controlling traffic to the fireman with their ladders raised in his honor, it was all overwhelming to see the outpouring of respect, love and support from the people in his hometown.

 

[Quicklabs]

Your nephew deserves all the respect that this nation can muster. Prayers contining for peace of mind for your family and peace in our world.

 

[Evad]

Wow, very moving!!! The pictures brought a tear to my eye. That is an incredible sight. Thank you so much for sharing!!

 

[Suburbanmom]

Thank you for sharing these very moving photos. Your nephew is an American hero.

 

[steery1]

God bless.

It must have been so emotional for you and your family. So sad but so heartwarming at the same time. I just cant imagine.............

 

[PhotobearSam]

My heart goes out to your family. A true HERO in every sense of the word. God Bless.

 

[fitzperry]

What a lovely tribute. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[ireland_nicole]

I am so grateful that your nephew and your family have made the ultimate sacrifice. The pictures provide an incredibly moving and poignant glimpse into the heart of your town. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Your photos were so moving that I teared up. God bless you all at this difficult time.

 

[askelton]

It makes me proud to see people honouring our military heroes as they should be. Bless you and your family at this trying time.

 

[tessiesevin]

You must have been very proud to call this hero your nephew. I have no words big enough to say how greatfull I am of what he has done for us
Americans.

It is good to see him get the respect he deserves.

My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.


GOD BLESS

 

[manning]

He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom

We thank him and above all we honor him.


Taps

Day is done
gone the sun
from the lakes
from the hills
from the sky,
all is well,
safely rest,
God is near.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
drawing near,
falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
for our days,
neath the sun
neath the stars
neath the sky,
as we go,
this, we know,
God is near.


God bless you.

 

[Villainess]

Thank you for sharing such moving pictures, they brought tears to my eyes. Your nephew is a true hero. God Bless.

 

[rtphokie]

Any pointers to news stories where we could read more about your nephew?

 

[spinetnglr]

Any pointers to news stories where we could read more about your nephew?

Yes there are and thank you for asking. My son has set up a website at the request of Marc's fiancee. They were going to make the engagement official when he got home from Afghanistan. That website is in my signature. Small Steps in Speech is a non profit being set up by Amanda to help young children with speech problems.

An article about Marc that appeared on the Philadelphia Inquirer can be seen here http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/39628537.html

There is another here on the msnbc.com Philadelphia local http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29222751/

And another that was in our local paper here http://yorkdispatch.inyork.com/yd/local/ci_11725645

There have been many postings as well on different military sites such as Patriot Guard Riders and ShadowSpear. A large group from the Patriot Guard Riders was at the funeral to show their support and gratitude. The people in the last picture holding the large American flags are all from that group.

 

[minie_meese]

Thanks for sharing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[nordkin]

The pictures were moving. Thank you for sharing. A big thank you to your nephew and your family for making the ultimate sacrifice.

I sit here in my office looking over Arlington Cemetary and am reminded everyday of the scarifices made by so many to protect our country and our freedom. It is towns like yours that honor our fallen heros that make this country so special.