Patriot Guard

Jonathan has been attending Kid's Day Inn at a local church this school year and he loves it! He calls it school and brings home the cutest crafts. When I dropped him off this week, I was informed I needed to pick him up early due to a large military funeral being held at the church. They mentioned the Patriot Guard would be there, but I didn't fully understand what that meant until I went to pick him up. Tears immediately came to my eyes as I pulled in the parking lot and saw the many men and women holding the American Flag.

After I got Jonathan in his seat, we slowly left with me snapping a few pics on my phone and I couldn't stop the emotional response that the sight of those flags brought on. The boys starting freaking out a little that their mom was crying over flags, and I wasn't able to explain it to them.

They promised to be good if we ran home and grabbed the camera to take some real pictures. I didn't want to intrude on the family and funeral, so I parked across the street to take a couple these. These pictures aren't quite as dramatic or from as good an angle, but they still stir a strong response within me. I also realized as I stared at the Patriot Guard that I hope to never attend a funeral where they are. (The Patriot Guard currently only attend funerals of soldiers killed in action in the current wars on terrorism.) But I am thankful for men and women willing to serve our soldiers and their families in this way. Hopefully some day, when my children are older, I can help them understand why this was such a beautifully moving scene.