A Hometown Hero

First, the hundreds of people lining the streets, even though it was well after midnight. Then, the candles. Then, the Marines Hymn, carried over the crowd by a loudspeaker.

Then the American flag, lit up and suspended high in the air by two fire ladders.

Then the first flashing lights of the police escort.

Then the hearse, with a flag draped over the single casket.

Then the family.

Then the tears.

As I was standing on Main Street of my tiny little hometown at 2:00 AM, surrounded by hundreds of other people, I knew that I couldn't get out of bed this morning and write one of my usual light-hearted posts. I was there with my parents and Rick and countless other supporters to welcome home the body of Sgt. Trevor Cook, a 25 year-old Marine who was killed last Wednesday in a helicopter crash while training for his deployment to Afghanistan. He graduated from high school with Rick, and Aislinn, one of my best friends. I didn't know him well at all, but he was my age. He was married just a month ago.

I can only imagine the emotion his family must have felt to be seeing the same things I was seeing this morning on Main Street, but knowing that it was all there because of their son. I wish that Trevor, too, could have seen the tremendous outpouring of love and support from the community, and it tugs at my heart that the greatest amount of appreciation and respect is paid to our military men and women after they are no longer alive. I am guilty, myself, of not quite paying attention at the Memorial Day ceremony, and flipping the channel when news from the war comes on the television, and taking for granted the rights and freedoms that we have because of other men and women who, like Trevor, have lost their lives as they served our country.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see. 

Please join me in praying for Trevor's family and friends, that they will feel the peace and love of our Heavenly Father's arms around them, that His promise of an eternity of life and joy within the veil of Jesus Christ will comfort them in their time of grief. My heart aches for them, and I pray that good will come of this, that Trevor's loss of life will leave an enduring legacy, and serve as a reminder to everyone, including me, that we must not live expecting tomorrow, because we have no promise of that. We truly never know what a day will bring. Trevor is clearly not the first Marine to have lost his tomorrow, but for me, his loss of life has not just hit close to home: it has hit home. If I never again have to attend a military processional, I will, of course, be glad, but I feel blessed to have been able to experience that kind of outpouring of patriotism and pride. 

Thank you to all of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.