A fallen hero

I feel compelled to write about this event, this tragedy. I realize this is not my typical banter, but it is a story that simultaneously rips my heart into pieces, and then heals it and fills it full of hope and love.

As many of you know, I live in Greenville, South Carolina--an area also known as 'The Upstate'. 

On December 27, PFC Justin Whitmire, a soldier from the Upstate, was killed in Afghanistan. He was a mere 20 years old, and he died after having been deployed for less than 1 month.

Less Than One. Month.

Twenty years old.

I did not know PFC Whitmire, but he was from where I call home. He attended a high school that is a short drive down the interstate from mine. But more than anything, he was a hero, serving our country.

This war has already claimed the life of one of my friends.

So when the word spread that the group that calls themselves "Christians" was planning to boycott PFC Whitmire's funeral, I was enraged. I was hurt for his family, his friends, for myself as a Christian. I do not believe hate can be used to spread God's word. Hate breeds hate.

But as quickly as word spread that these people were planning to boycott, members of this great state in which I live fought back. 

A Facebook group popped up, urging people to come support the family and friends, and pay their respects. Various news outlets, radio stations, etc. pledged attendance and/or support. The South Carolina members of the Patriot Guard announced that they would be in attendance as well.

My Facebook friends were posting and re-posting information, urging everyone who could, to show up in support of this fallen hero.

And did they ever!

{the following images courtesy of Patriot Guard rider and fellow Soldiers' Angels member Lori Peoria}

Look closely at the picture below. The people go on forever, it seems.

According to reports, 3,000 or more people showed up to mourn this fallen hero. To honor his memory, and to be certain that no radical group could interrupt or infringe upon this family's right to grieve and memorialize PFC Whitmire. 

Guess who did NOT show up?

So to all of the supporters, the friends, the Patriot Guard riders, the church groups, the wonderful people in this awesome place I call home--wow. What a wonderful, wonderful tribute of respect.

PFC Justin Whitmire, I humbly thank you for your courageous service.

May you rest in peace.

{for more images, please click here}