There were more people than I expected. There weren't nearly enough. They lined the streets, but only in clusters.
Flags waved. Some were talking & laughing quietly, others wore no expression. There were some in uniforms, others in dresses and suits, and still others in jeans and shorts.
They all shared one purpose: to mourn a fallen soldier.
He was only 21 when called to leave this world. He had a family who loved him, but no chance to start his own.
There was a girl, they were to be married next year. Now her heart has been wrenched by grief.
The procession passed. A NYS Trooper led the way, lights flashing. This was an important person.
The hearse, a brief glimpse of the casket, flag-draped.
A bus, filled with grieving soldiers, a car with a woman ripped by grief.
More soldiers, driving. Someone played God Bless the USA as they passed, many waved.
Two more buses. More cars with tears.
Then I saw him.
His mouth pinched tight by grief. Fighting a losing battle with emotion.
He wore a soldier's uniform. He was a passenger, not in any shape to drive.
His eyes expressed the emotion he fought. Only 2 seconds was this glimpse, but it was a profound moment. I hope I never forget the image.
I saw a grown man cry today.
RIP Nathan Patrick Brown, (06/13/82-04/11/04) KIA in Samarra, Iraq
**This was written the day of Nate Brown's funeral. Nate was a soldier killed in the Easter Sunday attack in Samarra Iraq, 2004. I did not know him personally, nor do I know the family, but when the local paper asked citizens to turn out along the funeral procession route, I went.
I dont care if you want to copy it and send it around to soldiers, friends, whatever. BUT- put my name on it. Put this entire notice on it. I want people to know this is real. There is a real person, and real emotion involved.
I wasn't sure what to expect. A local soldier dying was a new experience for me. What I wrote, as follows, is real, raw emotion as I experienced it that day. Not one word has been changed since that day, nor will it ever be.
Monica Dobbs, Glens Falls, NY 12801**