A Fallen Hero.

Today I saw a community’s love for a family, a parent’s love for their child, and a child’s love for his country. Today I saw the true meaning of the words sacrifice, duty, and love. I have never been more proud to be an American.

The first thing that struck me as I attended LnCpl Sharp’s funeral today was the amount of volunteers that had come out. As you drove into the parking lot of the church there were at least 100 motorcycles that lined the entrance. Most of them had American flags hanging from the back of their motorcycles, some had Marine flags. They were part of the Patriot Guard Riders. These guys are amazing, most of them Veterans themselves. As you made your way to the entrance of the church there were volunteers standing with large American Flags. The church was packed with those who had come out to pay their last respects. It was so full in fact they had to start seating people in the fellowship hall and were showing the service on a large screen.

The service was beautiful. Four preachers were there to tell their stories of LnCpl Sharp. They spoke about his faith and his love of his family. But mostly they spoke about his love of Country and the Marine Corps. After the service the procession took us 2.5 miles from the church to the graveside. Lining the streets that lead from the church were hundreds of American Flags being held by 100s of people. The men held their hats in their hands and children held their hands over their hearts. There were Veterans and Boy Scouts, Mothers and Daughters. All races… all ethnicities….. ALL Americans. Firefighter’s had arranged their fire trucks on either side of the road right before the entrance to the cemetery so that the ladders made an arch over the street and hanging from the ladders was an American Flag. It was the most amazing display of community I had ever seen. I sat in my car and wept. I was sad for the loss of one of our brave Marines, but mostly I was touched at the outpouring of love.

I had a chance to speak with the father and step mother of LnCpl Sharp. I told them that the thoughts and prayers of the entire 2/8 family are with them not only today, but for the weeks ahead and that I was so thankful to him for his service and his sacrifice.

In a world where pop stars and athletes dominate our news media, it is nice to know that the American people care so deeply for our troops. Please know that the sacrifices that our men and women are making for us everyday are not going unnoticed. I can honestly say that I am honored to be an American today. And I am so thankful to know that LnCpl Sharp is guarding heaven today and is watching over every Marine.