a true welcome home to a hero
By American Girl in Italy on July 22, 2009 at 10:01 AM in Patriotism, Sara in Italy
Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City, Georgia, just south of Atlanta, on June 11, 2009. Sergeant Beale was from Henry County and local police escorted the procession from Atlanta to the funeral home in McDonough, Henry County, Georgia.
A simple notice had been placed in the local papers indicating the route to be taken and the approximate time.
You won’t believe what happened along the way, all the way from Atlanta to McDonough.
Nowadays one can be led to believe that America no longer respects honor and no longer honors sacrifice outside the military. Be it known that there are many places in this land where people still recognize the courage and impact of total self sacrifice. Georgia remains one of those grateful places. The link below is a short, amateur video travelogue of that day’s remarkable journey.
But only watch this if you wish to have some of your faith in people restored.*
*received in email – don’t know the author.
An Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John C. Beale, 39, of Riverdale, Ga., during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Saturday, June 6, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Beale was one of three soldiers killed June 4 near Kapisa, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. Beale was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acq
(Release: November 13)
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Thanks for highlighting this, AGI, I watched it about a week ago, and it’s very emotional, very stirring, and inspirational.. I cried the entire time I was watching it.
It’s a little lengthy, but don’t miss watching it to the end. It is so worth it.
It is impossible for me to view this and not bawl. I have seen it so many times now and it just makes me bawl like a baby. And it’s not so much the loss of one hero (which is very sad), but that so many people care – that so many people came out to show their support.
I’m sure I know what’s on the video, but it’s not showing up. Maybe you can look into this.
I’m so glad to see that support for our troops is not going to the wayside. I don’t know if anyone in the MSM (besides local Georgia news) carried this video and story, but I wish they would. We need our troops to come home, our Congress doesn’t seem to agree and Obama seems to want to continue Bush’s war and I rarely hear anything coming from him regarding our troops…except when he has to on Memorial Day. He keeps talking about how busy he is with “other” things such as the economy. I’m sure our troops and their families would rather he be “busy” with getting them home safely and in one piece.
Thanks, I fixed it. I think they pulled that other video. I uploaded a youtube.
I thought he gave a speech the day before Memorial Day and golfed on the day itself?
All them folks by the side of the road–”clinging to” their flags and their patriotism–very moving, American Girl.
haha – thanks! i needed that after viewing this again.
Thanks so much for putting this up, AGI. I had heard about this soldier’s return but hadn’t seen the film. Incredibly moving.
This is who we really are.
HURT LOCKER is the must-see greatest film I’ve seen in ages.
It gives full understanding and appreciation for what our
soldiers are going through.
http://thehurtlocker-movie.com/
I can’t believe this magnificent film hasn’t been picked up by
a major distributor. We saw it at an art house.
Thank you for posting this. Very powerful and moving.
It is a relief to know that there are so many who still believe in this country.
RIP SFC Beale.
What an honor just to view this video. Thanks, AGI–I cried all the way through it, too. This soldier makes me proud to be an American. His local fellow citizens who showed respect for his life and service do, too.
Would that the simpering MSM could stop its bho the fraud propaganda train and show this soldier’s final procession. Good on Sgt. Beale, his family, his frieds and fellow Americans who said thank you in such a moving way.
AGI, we’re lucky to have you on this blog.
As a resident of Henry County, GA..I was more than humbled by the news footage of that day and this video! Our county did go for McCain/Palin, but this day was not about politics, it was about human life and one of our own! Thank you for showing this video! We are small, growing fast community and taking care of our neighbor is still our way of life!
A new day is emerging…
The recognition that Iraq is a Brilliant Strategy ..
Those that still don’t get why freeing Iraq while at the same time making them a close ally to the United States against an emerging Nuclear Iran probably suck at chess and other strategic endeavors.
Maliki is a Nationalist and a hero
Bush is a hero for ever changing the power equation of the middle east and firmly planting the American sphere of influence in a region vital to all’s survival.
Cheney is an ongoing hero..I will save that for another day.
Now back to my chess game..Whether it be foreign policy, building markets or playing chess you must think five moves ahead of your opponent..
Seattle,
Wrong. Iraq remains a close ally and supporter of Iran. Don’t kid yourself. While Iraq will pursue some policies independent of Iran the Government of Iraq is no longer the implacable enemy of Iran.
Moreover, U.S. ability to conduct ops against the remnants of AQ in Iraq are being constrained by Iraq. Efforts to go after Iranian agents face even more obstacles.
Thanks for your important and honest rebuttal.
Thank you, Larry! Also, Bush and Cheney still suck!
I know it’s not perfect and I probably would prefer a secular Sunni running the country instead of a Shiite but they are the majority which was repressed under Saddam.
Maliki to everybody’s surprise is becoming the Nationalist who has all of Iraq on his mind from all sects and has tamped down the sectarian strife and civil war that was going on in Baghdad.
Let’s not forget that the pragmatic Maliki was exiled from Iran 24 years ago.
After his visit to DC I’m sure that more naysayers will have to reevaluate their positions.
Maliki is a leader on a roll!
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2009512557_iraqmaliki22.html
I appreciate seeing this video very much.
Certainly inspiring after all the drekk of Oblahland.
RIP SFC Beale and God Bless.
I cried through the entire presentation, I love this country!
OMG, I haven’t cried like that in a very long time. Heartwrenching and very touching.
Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice Sgt.Beale and my deepest condolences to his family left behind who are feeling the loss.
This video of the procession and the people lining the roads in Sgt. John C. Beale’s honor is an outstandingly valuable sight to watch for Americans far removed from war and its consequences. Sgt. Beale gave up the ultimate as thousands have before him, including our family member 43 years ago. When it’s all over, his family will remember these fellow Georgians who wanted to show their respect and patriotism for the fallen, as I will always remember the “fly-over” in honor of MB. The sentiments of these bedrock, southern, small town people are exemplary.
AMERICAN HERO.
May God Bles Sgt. John C. Beale’s family
Thank you Georgians for standing up and showing what it is to be a true American your respect and patriotism touched my heart and soul. Thank you Sgt. John C. Beale for fighting for our freedom, because there is no greater country than the USA.
RIP
Sgt Beale,
You’re an American hero!
You have died for a noble cause which will be appreciated long after your sacrifice.
This country is going back to the basics of patriotism and love for country, especially after electing an Anti-American apologist who fails to understand the central role of the United States.
Protecting and advancing freedom at all cost against the forces of Tyranny.
You did not die in Vain!
God Bless you and your grieving family
Last week on BBC I saw similar footage of British casualties from Afghanistan, and wondered why we hadn’t seen it here. This was VERY moving – thanks for the link!
Godspeed, Sarge.
Hoo Rah!
I cried all the way through this.
RIP Sgt. Beale.
Wow–devastatingly moving & inspirational. Thanks, AGI.
The people of Georgia did themselves proud in this incredible show of love and respect for a true American hero. Wow.
My Georgia cousin and his family were there on the route and sent me the link. Apparently this was filmed by one of the state legislators.
Thanks, AGI, very moving and inspirational. I also watched one of the videos with that one, the one of the funeral of a soldier in a small town in Texas. That one was very moving also.
This was very hard for me to watch. I lost two cousins both on the same day in Iraq. I can’t sing or listen to Taps anymore. All those nights of listening to it in the military and it has a whole new meaning now then it did then. I am so proud and honored to be called an American with every single one of the men, women, and children that were standing out there.
Thank you AGI for posting this video.
Thank you for this testimonial. As the daughter of two WWII veterans, nothing moves me more deeply than the demonstration of the love of country and selflessness so many of our veterans and members of the armed forces have given us….
Thanks so much AG for posting this remarkable video.
I haven’t stopped crying yet. I hope that all soldiers see this and know that there are so many of us who honor them and their incredible service to our nation.
It’s only a shame that our politicians who send these men and women into harm’s way seem to have forgotten that they are someone’s children, parent, brother or sister.
It is so heartening to see that so many care about and respect our military and are proud to show it.
No matter what your viewpoint is on the war in Iraq, it all boils down to the fact that this soldier (and MANY others) answered the call of his country.
He served his country, his fellow Americans, and he paid the ultimate price.
Salute the selfless.
My sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Thank you for keeping us FREE!!!!!
Wow. All those people coming out with flags, their hands on their hearts, saluting, and showing respect. Sure brought the tears out.
Rest in peace John C. Beale. You gave your life for this country–thank you.
I have hope for America, when I looked at this video, more Americans need to stand for Lady Liberty, “Now” if we can count on these Americans to take this country back, Sgt. Beale may you rest peace and know you make this country great, your sacrifice is appreciated, I know you have a mother who is missing you, I hope she has some comfort in knowing there still are Americans who still care for there troops who are standing tall, I hope you have a shoulder to comfort you, I hope for the comfort for those missing you. I know the tears I am shedding, are tears of hope, pride, and the good old red, white blue, I still believe, I still believe, Oblah-blah never signed up for the selective service, never put his life on the line, I hope he can feel and look at this video, Same with the old draft dodging G.W. may your Texas Prairie be your prison, Sorry for the rant, I am thankful and happy someone noticed and those someones came out to say they care, I hope in my heart that they open there eyes and see the country taken over by big corporate greed and foreigners, rally the cry to take back are country, restore the election process, I am hoping, that like in other country’s we take it to the streets, like as they line the streets to honor you Sgt. Beale, this video has left an impression that will not leave me or slowly linger away any time soon…
Brightest of Blessings
Ms. Je’Amour P. Matthews
Safe journeys for you now Sgt. Beale …