There is a lot to be said for growing up in a small town in Texas. The service itself was
impressive with wonderful flowers and sprays, a portrait of James, his uniform
and boots, his awards and ribbons. There was lots of military brass and
an eloquent Baptist preacher. There were easily 1000 people at the
service, filling the church sanctuary as well as the fellowship hall and
spilling out into the parking lot.

However, the most incredible thing was what happened following the
service on the way to the cemetery. We went to our cars and drove to the
cemetery escorted by at least 10 police cars with lights flashing and some
other emergency vehicles, with Texas Rangers handling traffic. Everyone on
the road who was not in the procession, pulled over, got out of their
cars, and stood silently and respectfully, some put their hands over their
hearts, some had small flags.

Shop keepers came outside with their customers and did the same thing. Construction workers stopped their work, got off their equipment and put their hands over their hearts, too. There was no
noise whatsoever except a few birds and the quiet hum of cars going slowly
up the road. When we turned off the highway, suddenly there were teenage
boys along both sides of the street about every 20 feet or so, all holding
large American flags on long flag poles, and again with their hands on
their hearts.

We thought at first it was the Boy Scouts or 4F Club or something, but it continued .... for two and a half miles. Hundreds of young people, standing silently on the side of the road with flags. At one point we passed an elementary school, and all the children were outside, shoulder to
shoulder holding flags ... kindergartners, handicapped, teachers,
staff, everyone.

Some held signs of love and support. Then came teenage girls and
younger boys, all holding flags. Then adults. Then families. All standing
silently on the side of the road. No one spoke, not even the very young
children.

The last few turns found people crowded together holding flags or
with their hands on their hearts. Some were on horseback. The military
presence...at least two generals, a fist full of colonels, and representatives from
every branch of the service, plus the color guard which attended James, and
some who served with him. It was very impressive and respectful, but the
love and pride from this community who had lost one of their own was the
most amazing thing I've ever been privileged to witness.

I've attached some pictures, some are blurry (we were moving), but
you can get a small idea of what this was like. Thanks so much for all
the prayers and support."

Notice the UPS man standing outside his truck with his hand over his
heart.