This morning my commute was impacted by two things, first the weather, which simply one must deal with, second and the reason for the post - a Military Funeral Procession.
US Army Major Robert Marchanti II was killed in Afghanistan and is from outside Baltimore, Maryland. His family started at 5:00 AM this morning and rode down major highways at the beginning of the morning rush hour. I was one of many trapped when they stopped traffic getting on to the beltway for 30 minutes this morning. I could find no cause for angst or outrage or even annoyance. Oh sure I was trying like heck to get in front of the procession ... I am human.
But as I sat there, saw the blinking lights of police cars, stopping us, then leading and following that family I had no other emotion than deep sadness and gratitude for a man I didn't know, and family in grief. He gave his life in service to our country, so I can daily, complain about the traffic, life and the cost of a front door.
It is because of these men and woman that we all have all that we have.
Today in the dark, sitting on I-270 spur to the Capital Beltway I was reminded, vividly, freedom isn't free.
Salute that flag today, regardless of politics or foolishness and remember how truly blessed, and fortunate we are to be Americans.
God Speed Major, may your family find peace.
Sometimes we need a reminder about what is truly important. Thanks for writing about yours!
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